Tiny Devotional for RED Friday, 09-23-2022

 A great good morning to all my friends and neighbors in Internet Land! And to family members who have dropped by, Remember Everyone Deployed.

Do not hold back discipline from the child,
Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die.
You shall strike him with the rod
And rescue his soul from Sheol.
Proverbs 23:13-14, NASB

I wrote something on verse 13 almost a year ago. I’m including it again, because 14 doesn’t make much sense as a standalone.
Let me reiterate: this isn’t an excuse for child abuse. If you take it as such, you are messed up. Get help.
The entire point of these verses is:  appropriate discipline is REQUIRED to prevent the worst consequences imaginable.
If you are off in touchy-feely land, believing that kids are inherently good, and that if left alone they will find their own path blahblahblah, I’m sorry. You are wrong, and I doubt it’s going to work out for you, or for your children. And, once again I say, if you are on the other extreme, and believe that paddling is the perfect solution for everything, NO.


You OWE it to your child to demonstrate and require appropriate behavior. Their needs come before your own desire to be left at ease. It takes WORK to be a parent; it’s hard, and despite all the Hallmark cards, it isn’t always going to be appreciated with flowers and candy. 
It’s required, because: how can a child respect God, if they don’t respect their parents? 
Kids are accustomed to look to their parents as providers, and initially, will follow their lead. As they become adults, that WILL change, and it SHOULD change. It’s a painful process, but it’s your job.
So, do it.


Peace be on your household.

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