BY HUMPHREY MTANDWA Discipline is an expression of love by a parent towards their child. Solomon said: “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him.” Many assume disciplining a child is a sign of bad parenting, especially if the rod is involved, but Solomon in the book of Proverbs said the only way to demonstrate love towards your child is through discipline. Children need all kinds of love; they need encouragement, they need accountability, they need punishment to achieve obedience or when they walk in disobedience and they need reaffirmation of the value they have.
In a societies where the rod is viewed as a form of abuse parents are fearful and children have become undisciplined. But discipline is an act of love if administered in love, but when discipline is administered there are so many factors involved like the condition of the parent’s heart. Many have injured children in the name of correction because they use the rod in anger and at times the rod is used to sooth the emotions of the parents.
Discipline is necessary and as parents we desire our children to be perfect and at times better than we were at their ages. But we must understand our kids are not perfect. What we are as parents or what we became is because of past experience. We are stewards and have the advantage of experiences and though those experiences framed us they may not be the same path as the ones that will frame our children.
The Bible says before I formed thee in your mother’s womb, I knew you, meaning your child’s true identity is in God and the best path you can lead your child is in the purpose of God for their lives. Parenting is a full time job and the children in your home are your first ministry and purpose. We are called to raise them in the fear of the Lord and provide safety and comfort for them and as their custodians, we have to be intentional in everything we do. Discipline helps nurture, mature and shape kids into whom God has destined them to be.
Society is pushing parents to different ways of affirmation and discipline but it seems these ways are raising a rebellious generation and our children are losing their way. Discipline is not hate towards a child but a tool to raise them.
It’s time to focus on your child and their destiny and do anything you can to direct them. Be your child’s friend and be their eyes and help. With the rise of divorce and separation many children are not growing up in healthy family set ups. But as parents, never allow your child to suffer because of your differences. Both parents must invest themselves fully in raising a child. Obedience is not inherited, it is incalcated into character through discipline. It’s the parents’ responsibility to raise their child the right way and to ignore that responsibility is to neglect the destiny of a child. As parents we are just custodians of these children and our purpose is to train them that they may discover God and walk in his ways. It is time we raise our children and help them not only to obey us as parents but to obey God and follow his ways. The only way you can demonstrate your love towards your child is by providing Godly love and never be fearful to discipline your child in the ways of God. God Bless you.
- Humphrey Mtandwa is an Apostolic teacher of the word of God and founder of Believers Voice of Triumph Ministries. He has authored many books, including The Enoch Generation, Truthfulness, Night Parables and Theophany. If you want to connect with him or have any questions, get in touch on www.apostlehumphrey.com