Have you ever told your child to do something and they haven't done it? Have you ever just used your words, your nagging, your complaining, or just getting angry to try to correct their behavior? How has that worked for you? I know way too well how that has worked for me- IT DOESN'T (well, for at least 4 out of my 5 children)!
God's word says:
"A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond." Prov. 29:19
A few verses before that it says,
"The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother." Prov. 29:15
As you are teaching, training, disciplining your children, remember that (controlled) pain (with much love) is a great teacher.
The best example I ever heard of this is when you get pulled over by a police man b/c you were speeding, he doesn't have to come and yell and pour out his anger on you. Police men usually are very calm and kind, but they give a harsh "rod of correction" through the ticket they give you. It's not our anger that will get our children to change their behavior, in fact, God says,
"Man's anger doesn NOT produce the righteous life that God desires." James 1
A good, painful consequence will be helpful in getting our precious children's attention.
"Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with a rod, HE WILL NOT DIE. Punish him with the rod (not in anger, of course) and SAVE HIS SOUL FROM DEATH." Prov. 23:13 & 14
May God's words be useful in helping us train and teach our children that they may grow up to be a delight to our souls. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Link
"I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26
