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Pastor Chris White says to all of you: HELLO MY FRIENDS. May the Lord bless you today.
HOLA MIS AMIGOS. Que el Señor los bendiga.
The phrase “spare the rod, spoil the child”
is a modern-day proverb that means if a parent refuses to discipline an unruly
child, that child will grow accustomed to getting his own way. He will become,
in the common vernacular, a spoiled brat. The saying comes from Proverbs 13:24, “He who spares the rod hates
his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” The Lord uses
discipline to reveal our sin to us. This is also how parents reveal the truth
of our need for a Savior to their children. When a child does not feel the
consequence of his sin, he will not understand that sin requires punishment.
The Lord provides a way to salvation and forgiveness through Jesus, but that
means little to those who do not see their sin.
Furthermore, correction shows us that we are not above reproach and that we are
accountable for our actions. Our natural pride blinds us to our need for a
Savior, and discipline reveals the truth of our wretchedness (Revelation 3:17). Since salvation is the most
important choice the child will ever make, it is imperative that parents are
leading him to Christ, and discipline is critical to this process. Proverbs 23:13 says, “Do not withhold
discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.” In
the context of verses 13–14, die means “experience spiritual
death in hell.” Children who respect authority and feel sorrow for their sin
are much more likely to ask Jesus to forgive them and be saved.
All children are born sinful (Romans 5:12–19). Their natural self is
destructive and unrighteous. That does not mean they aren’t valuable and worthy
of love (Psalm 127:3). It means that they are not born
with any natural “goodness” in them. That is why all children need
discipline. Proverbs 22:15 says,
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive
it far from him.” Discipline is critical for wisdom (Proverbs 29:15), and a child who obeys his
parents will be wise (Proverbs 13:1). And even
adults who do not heed correction will feel the consequences of their
foolishness (Proverbs 10:13).
Some people believe in discipline, but not in physical discipline such as spanking. However, the Bible is the final word
on what is truth; it is not mere opinion or theory. The word rod indicates
a thin stick or switch that can be used to give a small amount of physical pain
with no lasting physical injury. A child should never be bruised, injured, or
cut by a physical correction. The Bible warns that parents should never abuse
the power and authority they have over their children while they are young
because it provokes the children to righteous anger (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). Physical discipline is always
done in love, never as a vent to the parent’s frustration. It is also just one
part of discipline and should be used when the child shows defiance to a clear
limit, not in the heat of the moment.
God instructs parents to parent their children the way He parents His
children. Hebrews 12:5–11 tells
us that God disciplines those whom He loves to perfect their righteousness. God
only disciplines His own, which proves that Christians are His beloved
children. Notice that David says that the Lord’s rod comforts him in his time
of trouble (Psalm 23:4).
Finally, we know that no discipline feels good while it is happening, but
afterwards the rewards are rich (Hebrews 12:11). Godly character, fruit of the Spirit, and peace are rewards of
God’s discipline. The same is true for our human children. Children who have
learned how to take responsibility for their actions are much happier people (Proverbs 3:11–18). The importance of the rod
of correction is that it steers the heart of a child toward Jesus and the
forgiveness of sin He offers. When parents trust God’s methods over their own,
they will see the blessings for their children and themselves.
Thank you to Got Questions Ministries
© Copyright 2002-2019 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved.
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