SUNDAY October 7, 2018
Discipline Your Children
Then a man of God came to Eli and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Did I not clearly reveal Myself to the house of your father when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house?’ ”
1 Samuel 2:27
Now Eli’s sons were not growing in the Lord like Samuel. They were going away from the Lord. They had nothing spiritual in their lives. What was the weakness of Eli? He did not take the time to discipline his children. Eli could not control his family. Yet these were the leaders of God’s people! The Lord intervened in the absence of repentance and sent a man of God, a title given to a nameless prophet, to pronounce His judgment.
Today, how many children are lacking discipline in their homes? The Bible has much to say about the discipline of children; we only need to read the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 13:24 gives godly parents this advice: He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly. As parents, we need to do our best to discipline our children in love, while they are young.
I do believe in spanking. However, I do not think that when a child becomes of age, they should be spanked. They should be punished in other ways. As long as a child lives in your home, you should do your best to correct them, so that they will follow in the ways of the Lord.
There are some parents who cannot control their children; they are afraid––timid. There are children who will throw a fit if they cannot get their way. They will throw dishes and scream until they get their own way. I have seen parents who become afraid when a child gives them a dirty look. What if a child is taking drugs and becomes aggressive? Parents may have to call the police; then they will learn their lesson and change their attitude. Minister to them, apply discipline, and let them learn.
Children respect discipline. They want to be guided. It gives them a sense of belonging, a sense of security.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
