A New Way to Look at Discipline

Last updated on: October 9, 2013 at 9:00 am by Josh Daffern

A New Way to Look at Discipline 2013-10-09T09:00:26-06:00 Josh Daffern

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This week in my sermon series “Picture Perfect Family,” we looked at the thorny issue of lack of discipline in the house. Investigating scripture, I talked about three new ways we should look at discipline in the house:

Discipline is more than just punishment; it’s love. We think discipline is mere punishment, with no redeeming value. The Bible begs to differ. My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:11-12. God makes a direct connection between discipline and love. It’s not just getting in trouble, it’s about a parent loving their child so much that they will correct their child out of love. Again the Bible says, Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. Proverbs 13:24. This is pretty direct. If you don’t discipline your children, don’t think you’re doing it out of love for them. You’re doing it out of selfish laziness. Whoever loves their children will discipline them.
Discipline is more than just negative; it’s positive. Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;  they will bring you the delights you desire. Proverbs 29:17 This perhaps is the biggest misconception. Discipline is so negative! Who wants that negative energy around. Yes disciplining is about spanking and time out and getting grounded, but it’s so much more than that. It’s more than just being negative when they mess up. It’s about, as parents, setting a positive example for them so that they will live a better and fuller life.
Discipline is more than just reactionary; it’s preventative. Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away. Proverbs 22:15 We get this with our health. Reactionary health is getting a heart bypass when our arteries clog up. Preventative health is eating right and exercising to keep those arteries from clogging up. If you only discipline when your child does something wrong, that’s simply reactionary discipline. Preventative discipline is teaching your child habits that will keep them from getting in trouble in the future.

Parents, discipline is not a dirty word. If done right (and biblically), it’s one of the greatest forms of love you’ll ever show your child.

QUESTION: What other misconceptions of discipline do parents have?

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