Do you have any of “those children” in your Church? You know, the ones who you almost dread sitting next to at fellowships. The ones who cut in the buffet line in front of the old ladies, interrupt adults in conversation, and just plain run amuck, tearing down decorations as they go? Unfortunately, a whole family can earn a reputation based on the actions of the child(ren) in that family. So how do we raise children who will earn us a good reputation/a good name, rather than having people avoiding us?
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
Proverbs 20:11
First, we must admit and understand the problem. Children are born sinners. Yes, even the cutest of babies are born with a nature that goes against what is best for themselves. They have a free will that desires to do whatever it wants to do. We must teach and train them to do right. It does NOT come naturally to them.
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Proverbs 22:15
Children require correction, discipline, and MOST OF ALL, consistency. Any form of discipline you put into action will be more confusing than helpful if it is not used the same way every time (and immediately) when a wrong is committed by the child. We must respond quickly and consistently when correction is needed. Your little ones will soon learn what is expected from them, and what the consequences will be when disobedience occurs.
In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction…
Jeremiah 2:30
When we discipline inconsistently, we are doing so in vain. When the child believes that sometimes it’s okay to take food off others’ plates, but sometimes it’s not, you are creating confusion. When they are allowed to color on the furniture at home, but not at Church, this creates confusion and rebellion in the heart of the child.
So, consistency is key…But it’s exhausting!!
Yes, discipline done the right way is more work. At first. Many things are wearying when done well. God knows this, and warned us of that fact multiple times in the Bible. (Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:13 – “…be not weary in well doing…) It is not easy as a parent to always stop what you are doing and take time to chasten and discipline a child. But look what the Bible has to say about this very thing:
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees
Hebrews 12:11-12
Chastening is neither enjoyable for the one enduring it, nor for the one who has to dish it out! Chastening is not a joyous responsibility. It can be wearying. But this consistency is how we keep the home the way God wants it to be. If we are diligent, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Once children know what is expected, and learn to obey instantly, (the first time they are told, with the right attitude) the home fills with peace. Gone will be the days when Mom has to yell to be heard over the chaos, and Dad comes home and is frustrated with the messy state of the home. Gone will be the days of not being able to go out to eat because the children can’t sit still at a dinner table. Gone will be “those children”. It’s never too late to implement consistency in your discipline. Let all things be done decently, and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40), and in love (1 Corinthians 16:14) and watch God bless your efforts.
This is very good!!!