28 December | Youth
«He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.» Proverbs 13:24
Everything we learn about discipline begins at home. Those raised under the umbrella of wise, loving and firm parents were blessed with a legacy for eternity. Discipline is a fundamental principle of a solid and healthy education. It is the duty of parents to discipline their children. What we learn during our childhood is never forgotten.
The words “disciple” and “discipline” have the same root. They refer to principles we need to learn from childhood in order to build an inner life in complete order. Children who receive this blessing from an early age are encouraged to follow the path of duty. What traumatizes a child is not discipline, but neglect. The “rod of correction” (Prov 22:15) is sorely missed these days!
Ellen White says that “the greatest wrong done to a child or youth is to allow him to become fastened in the bondage of evil habit” (Education, p. 291). Parents instruct their children whether they want to or not. Actions teach more than words.
In the book of Proverbs, disciplining children is a recurring theme. Lessons in good manners taught at home help to set the limits of life. The wise man said: “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.” (Prov 23:13, NIV).
This is a way of saying that there must be balance in the application of discipline. However, physical correction has a biblical foundation. Each parent will have to answer to God for their use, misuse, or disuse. “The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother” (Prov 29:15). An undisciplined child embarrasses everyone, not just his parents.
Those who were disciplined to the right extent enter the race with a great advantage. If we dream of reaching our highest potential, we need discipline in our lives. God is our discipler and disciplinarian. By accepting His guidance and direction, we will be on the path to true success in life.