The Divine Disciplinarian

In an episode of the TV series, Golden Girls, Blanche (played by Rue McClanahan), is overwhelmed as she views her newborn granddaughter, Aurora, delivered from her daughter. During this maternal moment, Blanche says the following to her daughter, Becky.

“You know the first time I ever held you in my arms. I knew I was holding somebody I was going to love for the rest of my life.”

Unfortunately between then and the first time that child has to be disciplined, parental joy has been replaced by a case of mild irritation.

Discipline and punishment are not synonymous, but are very different words. They vary from each other in that discipline seeks to educate (in a correct way), and provide boundaries that display love to a child.

Much the same way a wireless fence keeps a dog from running out in the street, and being hit by a car. It’s an action of love the owner (does for the dog).

On the other hand, punishment provides discomfort to a child in hopes they will discontinue a certain behavior someone else perceives as unacceptable. (Often the offender is not given an explanation as to why the offense is intolerable to the offended.)

1.  Wise parenting requires wise discipline. “Point your kids in the right direction – when they’re old they won’t be lost.” (Proverbs 22:6) It’s important to dedicate children to God from the beginning of their existence.

Allowing your offspring to decide one day (as adults) about their religious convictions, fails to provide emotional roots as is shown in this quote by author and speaker, Joyce Meyer.

“Consider a tree for a moment. As beautiful as trees are to look at, we don't see what goes on underground - as they grow roots. Trees must develop deep roots in order to grow strong and produce their beauty. But we don't see the roots. We just see and enjoy the beauty. In much the same way, what goes on inside of us is like the roots of a tree.”

What ultimately matters in parenting is vocalized by Steve Martin (as the father, Tom Baker) in the movie, Cheaper by the Dozen. “If I screw up raising my kids, nothing I achieve will matter much.”

2.  Wise discipline produces wisdom. “Wise discipline imparts wisdom; spoiled adolescents embarrass their parents.” (Proverbs 29:15)

“Where did we ever get the crazy idea that in order to make children do better, first we have to make them feel worse? Think of the last time you felt humiliated or treated unfairly. Did you feel like cooperating or doing better?”  (Jane Nelsen)

3.  Wise discipline brings peace. “Discipline your children; you’ll be glad you did – they’ll turn out delightful to live with.” (Proverbs 29:17)

“Never discipline whom you've not discipled.”  (Author Neil Kennedy)

4.  Wise discipline demonstrates hope. “Discipline your children while you still have the chance; indulging them destroys them.” (Proverbs 19:18)

The chorus of a song by Freddy Rodriguez sums up perfectly what one hopes to receive as a result of hopeful discipline.

You are the rest for the weary
The hope and the healer
God above all things
That's who You are
You are the truth that is standing
When the world is changing
You are forever
Lord of it all That's who You are

That's who you are

Discipline must be administered with both love and consistency. “A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them.” (Proverbs 13:24)

“Discipline is a symbol of caring to a child. He needs guidance. If there is love, there is no such thing as being too tough with a child. A parent must also not be afraid to hang himself. If you have never been hated by your child, you have never been a parent.” (Actress Bette Davis)

Divine discipline occurs to adults, too. The Almighty corrects for a person’s ultimate well-being (and because of His love for them).

If you are currently going through a time of divine discipline in your life, Hebrews 12:11 assures you there is light (hope and spiritual growth) at the end of the tunnel of correction. (You can count be assured of that.)

 “At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.”

*Inspired by the sermon “The Choose Wisely Series: Wise Parenting,” Installment Three, Pastor Dave Jansen, September 18, 2016, CenterPoint Church Gahanna, Gahanna, OH.

**All scripture is taken from The Message paraphrase (of the Bible).