The Gift of Discipline

I came across an interesting quote today;

When the archaeologists were digging in the ruins of Nineveh they came upon a library of plaques containing the laws of the realm. One of the laws reads, in effect, that anyone guilty of neglect would be held responsible for the result of his neglect….

If you fail to teach your child to obey, if you fail to teach him to respect the property rights of other, you and not he are responsible for the result of your neglect. - William Tait, “Is It Juvenile or Adult Delinquency”

It has been a week of discipline and consequences for our son Jackson. We have been cracking down on the “negotiating” and constant talking back or whining Jackson does when we ask him to do something. It has been working – but it has not been easy on any of us!

The reason we had to make a drastic change was because we had been allowing some of this behavior until it became such a glaring pattern that we noticed what we had done. Jackson’s mode of operation was to question or negotiate most of the decisions his authority figures made. And it was entirely our fault - especially mine.

I am too “soft” and end up hurting my son through inconsistent discipline. Although I am being too easy on him because I love him and feel sorry for him, I realize that it is not loving at all to not discipline him effectively. So I am determined to get tougher and more consistent so that I can give Jackson the best chance at a good, successful life.

This week as I analyzed Jackson negotiating, talking back or whining, it made me realize how much I do that with God. I constantly challenge His wisdom and propose my own way of doing things. Sometimes God allows me to make my mistakes and then see my foolishness. Other times, He just says “No” and there is no arguing back. It is a firm answer.

I am so grateful that God is better at disciplining than I am! And I should be honored and grateful when God disciplines me.

But sometimes it is hard to even notice that it is God’s hand of discipline guiding us, correcting us, rebuking us. We simply miss it - and often miss out on the lesson God is trying to teach us. I know I have missed many teachable moments because I was so self absorbed and fixated on my earthly plans.

As I discipline Jackson, it reminds me to be alert to catch the lessons the Lord is trying to teach me. I need to seek out His wisdom and crave his discipline.

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,

2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.

8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones…

11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,

12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in. -Proverbs 3:1-8, 11-12

How have you seen God’s hand of discipline in your life? How has disciplining your children helped you receive the Lord’s rebukes and teaching?