ParentZone for Wednesday, January 14

In January our focus will be on Discipline
Tonight's focus is on How God disciplines us and how that impacts our parenting.


Hebrews 12:5-11 (New International Version)

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:


"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."


Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.


Although the context of these verses are to encourage believers that are going through hardships, it yields a great deal of insight into relationship of a parent and child concerning discipline.


Last week we talked about the ultimate weapon in parenting and in particular disciplining your child is PRAYER. This week we look at the ULTIMATE PARENT God and how He relates to us. As God's agents in authority over our children, we need to emulate his love in many ways - including expressing it in discipline.


Ulimate end: A child who grows into an adult who loves God and others, leads a fruitful life that expands the kingdom of God. It also leads to a peaceful home that is characterized by children who have been trained to obey without complaint, excuse or delay.


Ultimate poise: A child who knows what is expected and what the consequences of not doing the right thing. A child who knows that his parent will not use emotional ploys, yelling, manipulation or other forms of manipulation to control them.


Ultimate expression: A child who has no question as to whether their parent unconditionally loves them, even when they have to receive discipline.

We had fun learning from Bob Newhart how to just "Stop It!" However, we decided to let our Bible passage change our parenting. We each thought of a action to do this week to be more like God in our parenting. Can't wait to hear what God does in our parenting as we apply His Word this week!

See you next Wednesday.

Yours in Christ,
Doug Bedgood