Proverbs 23:13-14: Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.
It was a pleasant Sunday evening. Parishioners were standing in front of the church chatting. I was talking with Johnny's grandmother. (His name is changed to protect the guilty) As I talked with the grandmother, four year old Johnny began to kick my shins. To my utter amazement, his grandmother just kept talking and ignored her grandson. Finally I decided to defend myself. I picked up Johnny and began to gently squeeze his arms. I continued to apply pressure until he felt the pain. He gave out a little yelp, and I put him down. Little Johnny never kicked me again.
All children need discipline. Proverbs 22:15 states, Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.
Proper discipline helps to produce an emotionally healthy and successful child. Without a healthy dose of loving discipline, a child like little Johnny could grow to be a man who inflicts serious physical and emotional harm on others.
My parents used a belt as the rod of discipline on me. The belt and I seemed to have numerous meetings. I thought my parents treated me unfairly and that they were excessive in the use of that belt.
As I grew into an adult, I noticed far too many unruly children. These were kids, who like little Johnny, misbehaved and acted inappropriately without consequence. Later I thanked my parents for using that belt on me.
It seems that various forms of child abuse are epidemic in modern society. Some parents do use the rod in an excessive, inappropriate manner.
However, to those good parents who truly love your children, I urge you to consider the Word of God. Proverbs 13:24 says, He who spares the rod hates the son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. The parent who refuses to discipline hates the child.
1. If you love your child, you must use the rod. God uses his rod on his children, because he loves us and wants us to walk in his peace and life. (See Hebrews 12:5-11)
2. Using proper discipline on your child can save him from death. That could mean physical or spiritual death. Discipline produces peace in your child.
3. Do not discipline your child out of anger, but out of love. Use episodes of discipline as teaching times. Hopefully, they will quickly learn that inappropriate behaviors brings unpleasant consequences.
4. Corporal punishment is Scriptural. Some parents are successful in disciplining and training their children without corporal punishment. But still many children need a literal rod of discipline.
Since some in society equate corporal punishment with child abuse, you need to think through the consequences of using corporal punishment in public places. We must not live bound by the fear of false accusation, but if you have small children, you would be wise to pray and think through this issue.
5. The Word of God is clear. You must discipline your child. Proverbs 19:18, Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.
Dare to use godly discipline. Don't let your child be another little Johnny.
Wayne L. Williams
wayne@fotwm.org