Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.
Proverbs 29:17 (NIV)
Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.
Proverbs 29:17 (MSG)
Discipline your children; you’ll be glad you did—they’ll turn out delightful to live with.
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“Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; yes, he will delight your soul.” -AMPLIFIED
“Children are truly a blessing from God. Unfortunately, they don’t come with an instruction manual. But there’s no better place to find advice on parenting than the Word of God, which reveals a heavenly Father who loves us and calls us His children. It contains great examples of godly parents. It gives direct instructions on how to parent, and it is filled with many principles we can apply as we strive to be the best parents we can be.” ~Adrian Rogers
“If you discipline your children, they will make your life easier and refresh your soul.” -(VOICE)
Solomon points out to us once again that discipline is not a bad thing. In fact, if people would discipline their children their lives would be easier, their soul refreshed and there would be peace in the house.
“Discipline your son and he will give you happiness and peace of mind.” -(TLB)
I am sure we have all experienced spending time with or seen an undisciplined child in action. This child has learned, that for them there are no boundaries. So they have become undisciplined, self-centered, and lack self-control. The parent of the child has basically created a monster that others are either afraid of, or want nothing to do with, because this child is anything but peaceful and pleasant to be around.
This scenario is sad, but even sadder is the fact that we see this rundown happening more and more, as parents take a backseat to raising and disciplining their children. In our proverb today Solomon tells us that if we would discipline our children then we could experience a more peaceful life.
Kids need boundaries. They need to know what is considered acceptable behavior and what is not. They need to know that if they act a particular way than they will be either praised or punished. Boundaries, they are a good thing.
It was Solomon who taught us the importance of teaching and training our children. Let me remind you of a few of his proverbs:
* “A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them.” -Proverbs 13:24 (MSG)
* “Teach a child how to follow the right way; even when he is old, he will stay on course.” -Proverbs 22:6 (VOICE)
* “Wise discipline imparts wisdom; spoiled adolescents embarrass their parents.” -Proverbs 29:15 (MSG)
“The family should be a closely-knit group. The home should be a self-contained shelter of security; a kind of school where life’s basic lessons are taught; and a kind of church where God is honored; a place where wholesome recreation and simple pleasures are enjoyed.” ~Billy Graham
Keeping peace in the house will be achieved by setting boundaries, and the sooner you do this the better. If you have an older child that has not received the benefits of discipline and boundaries in the past this change will take time and a whole lot of patience on your part. It is not too late though to make those changes and in time you will be happy that you did.
Moses encouraged the people of Israel to teach their children the ways of the Lord. We too need to do the same. Moses gives us a few pointers on the how of doing this:
“Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates.” -Deuteronomy 6:7-9 (MSG)
We all need to remember, especially when we are teaching and disciplining, that children are a gift from God. We want to be good stewards of that gift. Remind yourself when the going gets rough of this:
“Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? The fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you; you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.” -Psalm 127:3-5 (MSG)
“Parenting has got to be the hardest and most rewarding job that God has ever given us. We often wonder and question if we’re doing it right. Did we miss anything? Is it too late to be the right parent for my child? Is my child learning? Am I even teaching all he needs?! Ahh, I get it! Take heart, we have an amazing God who so graciously left us a guide on how to not only teach but guide our children. God is the perfect example of a parent, and yes I know we aren’t perfect but in His infinite wisdom He fills the crevices we miss. When we give our 100% and allow the Lord to mold us He gives us the wisdom we need to give our children the gift of being taught and led.” ~Ana Nelson (Raising Children)
My friend, if you have children who have become selfish, unkind, self-centered or disruptive it is time to set some boundaries for them. Boundaries are good; they help our children know what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior. If you feel that there is no peace in your home it is time to set those boundaries.
“Show your children God’s love by loving them and others as Christ loves you. Be quick to forgive, don’t hold a grudge, look for what’s best, and speak gently into areas of their lives that need growth.” ~Genny Monchamp
My Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please give me the wisdom and direction I need to be a good parent to the children you have blessed me with. I want to raise and teach my children to be godly people, people who are an asset to society and a blessing to others. Help me to love them enough to teach them and discipline them in the ways that they should go. Thank you for being the best example that I could follow in parenting, Lord. You are a good, good Father.
Growing with God 