God’s Descriptive Word

Are you a strict disciplinarian, lenient disciplinarian, or a mix of both? Do you fully understand the concept of “spare the rod, spoil the child” (Prov 13:24)?

According to biblical wisdom, the greatest love we show our children is when we hold them accountable for their sins of disobedience. King David’s mistake of disregarding God’s command to rear faithful children and hold them accountable for their sins should serve as a warning to us. When David realized the error of his lax parenting, David instructed Solomon to be strong in the Lord and to keep His commands. He admonished Solomon, telling him “…to walk in (the Lord’s) ways, to keep His statues, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn: that the Lord may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel’” (1 Kings 2:1-4).

Most every parent has something they wish they had done differently in terms of disciplining their children. I know I do. I wish I had been a better disciplinarian. My children are fine young adults. But occasionally, they have a harder time dealing with the consequences of their mistakes than they would have if I had disciplined them more as children. If your children are grown like mine, remember that it is never too late to parent them! Speak with your adult children and guide them with your words and actions. If your children are still young, start now.

Do you teach your little ones the Word of God, or do you leave that responsibility to the Christian school they attend? Be sure that you spend time in God’s Word with your children every day. I even used to post Bible verses on my children’s bathroom mirror for them to read when they brushed their teeth.

Think about your children’s specific vulnerabilities and how you can better equip them to face the challenges that lie before them. The Bible is descriptive, instructive, and the best parenting manual on the market. But don’t forget that the best advice is of no value unless it is implemented! Teach your children the importance of honoring God with obedience. Tell them to be “strong in the Lord” and to put on the spiritual armor Paul speaks of in Ephesians 6:10-12. Our calling as parents is to raise our children with godly morals and with a desire to obey the guidance given to them by the descriptive and instructive Holy Word of God.