“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
When we don’t engage in raising our children as God commands we are guilty of treating them in the same way someone who hates them would. Woah! Now that seems a bit extreme. I would agree but that is Solomon’s word use here. As we know, every word used in scripture is intentional and exact. When I thought about it, it is not to far of a stretch to compare what a person who hates our children wants to see happen in their lives and what often happens in the lives of a child who is raised with a lack of direction and discipline. Both end up with a greater chance of living out of control, God dishonoring lives. The undisciplined person finds it very difficult living under the boundaries and restraints of God’s design for all of us. They tend to rebel against all authority in their story. It makes them dangerous to themselves and the rest of the world. Exactly what Satan desires. Understanding that love and discipline go hand in hand is built into all of us. If we don’t see it practiced as we grow we lose the perspective God built in us. Our fallen nature draws us to rebel. Our reborn nature desires a Father who cares enough to protect and develop us into the image of His Son. Hebrews tells us that Jesus learned obedience through suffering. Goodness knows if Jesus had to learn obedience why would we ever think we would not be disciplined for disobedience. Today learn from the firm hand of the Father and love those in your care the same way. #BeTheEdge
“because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:6 NIV
