DISCIPLINE- (Instruct, train, correct)
So many times we hear words like “that child has no discipline” or I have never seen such an undisciplined group of individuals” or things like “she has no home training” All these phrases convey the same idea, a need for more structure and training in our society. I do remember however, that things were not always like this, children seem to have been more respectful of their elders, teachers spent less time with trying to discipline individual students that they seem to be doing now, less teenagers were in trouble with the law or being incarcerated. What happened? Who dropped the ball, and why?
As Christian parents and Christian mothers in particular we were given a mandate regarding our children. It is our responsibility to train our children, (these wonderful gifts) in the way or path they should go, and not to leave them to make uninformed decisions by themselves.
Proverbs 22:6- Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Most times parents seem hesitant to discipline or train their children. However, if we do not train them in the way of the Lord, then the world will train them in the ways of the world. That sweet baby in your arms now, if left to run wild and without training will someday become something else in the arms of the law.
Training needs to start early in life, but if you did not you can start now, it may be more difficult but it is doable.
Think about you wanting to enter a race, run a marathon or lose weight you train for it- you do not expect to do well or win the race if you do not train. You cannot expect to be an overcomer if you don’t train your mind and spirit in doing and having faith in the word of God. We cannot expect our children to be well equipped if they are sent out to battle without the correct gear or armor.
When you train for a race: you start with small steps; you may work out for ½ hour then build up to 2 or 3 hours. You do not just go to the Gym one day a week but may go for 4-5 days a week. Consistency is key to achieve the results we need. Not only do you exercise, but you also try to eat healthy, and get adequate rest. You do not give up until you achieve your goal. You put all the energy and enthusiasm you can into it. You believe that if you do what it takes that you will be successful in achieving your goal. You have faith in yourself.
You do the same thing when you want to Lose weight to fit into your bathing suit, or that new dress etc. or if you are getting married and need to fit into that wedding dress.
God is expecting the same thing when it comes to our children/ his children. He expects us to train, and to discipline with the same fervor you would if you were trying to accomplish a personal goal. Let us look at the word Train as an acronym. Training should involve
Teaching Relationship- Admonish Inspire and Nurture
Proverbs 14:1 -Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
Training your children is one aspect of building your house, not taking the time to train them is one way to destroy that house.