Discipline and the Bible - Part 4

Last week we started considering how we discipline our children, asking the question, What do we see the Bible teach us about discipline? If you missed the first 3 articles, let me invite you to read them first before we go on with today's thoughts. (Click here for Part 1.)

As we move forward, I want to spend a few more minutes thinking about what the Bible has to say to parents about discipline. In the introduction of this series, the second thought that I shared was the realization that the Bible needs to be the source for discipline. That if we as parents hope to discipline our children in a godly way, we must look towards the Bible as our first source of Truth and Godly wisdom. I say first, because I think there are a number of great books written by godly men and women, to and for parents to help us discipline well. Many of these books draw in biblical principles and present them as techniques to help you be a better parent. I have read and am reading books such as these and they have been helpful. But what I want to reinforce for us as parents is that to rely on just these books and never really opening up the Bible to read and learn God's word first hand is dangerous. I do not discredit the intention or the effectiveness of these books. Many are great books. But parents, you MUST be in the word of God daily; reading, studying, and allowing the Holy Spirit to teach you the vital truths that come from God.

So the first question is this, Why? Why is the Bible the best source for disciplining your children?

The Apostle Paul writes to the young pastor Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16,17 esv)

In my opinion, these two verses state, very clearly, the why. As believers, we recognize that the Bible is the Word of God. Paul teaches that more than a book of theology and stories, the Bible is to be applied to every aspect of life. If we want to be men and women who are adequately equipped and ready for every good work (that is ready to live obediently before the Lord) then we must see the Bible as the best tool that God has given to us to teaching, reproofing, correcting, and training up. Thus it would make sense that if, as parents, we want to train up our children to do the good work of God, then we must be teaching from the word of God.

How often do you open your Bible? For some of us it might only be on Sunday morning. Perhaps for others, we are faithful at reading our Bibles most days; maybe even every day. But how often are you opening your Bible in front of your kids? To teach them? To correct them? To build them up in wisdom? To equip them that they might live to bring glory to the Lord?

Discipline begins with teaching. If we're not teaching God's Word, what are we teaching?

- the higham family

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