BJ and I have been thinking a lot about discipline lately....Mainly because Hudson's at that stage where he's very aware of when he's disobeying and even very determined at times to continue doing whatever he's doing despite our wishes. (Aren't we all like that at times!) So we've been wading through others opinions, what we believe Scripture to say about it, what we read in books, etc to determine how we plan on disciplining at this stage of the game.
I believe very much that discipline is a Biblical thing. After all, God even disciplines those He loves. Hebrews 10 has a huge section on our heavenly Father's discipline for us His children.
I also believe that sometime discipline involves pain. If it were pleasant, we would love it. And I don't know too many people who do.
In regards to parents and children, I believe that spanking is a Biblical directive.... "Spare the rod, spoil the child" -Proverbs.
But I'm still wrestling through whether or not spanking is a punishment in itself or if it is a deterrent from greater consequences later... maybe both. I've been trying to think about God's discipline for us.... often times it is painful. Is it a deterrent, so that we will not proceed further down a destructive path. Or is it a punishment for the path we've already taken? Maybe both.
I ask these questions because I sincerely want to know how to pattern my own discipline of my kids.
I don't want a spanking to be the end all-be all in any given situation. I want there to be more to how I discipline than just a swat to the hand or leg. I want them to understand the reason I am correcting them. I want to help motivate them to choose on their own not to do something again.... not because they fear a spanking, but because they want to do what's right. Yes, pain gets our attention, and its necessary at times. But from what I know about the Father's discipline, he takes it even further... He desires for us to learn. He wants to shape our hearts. And if we respond to His painful discipline the first time and learn to recognize his earlier promptings when they come, maybe the painful discipline could be avoided at times.
Just some thoughts...
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Great thoughts..
ReplyDeleteIn our Bible study the other night we were talking about this very thing. Your wise dad put it this way...punishment looks backward at the offense and discipline looks toward the future. I do think spanking at times is appropriate to get their attention to help them curtain immediate behavior issues looking forward to molding their character for the future.
You and BJ will make the right choices, you probably won't be perfect in everything but your hearts are in the right place seeking the Lord for His wisdomo and direction for your precious boys. He will guide you and provide you with the wisdom you need for Hudson and Greyson one step at a time.
We love you and are praying for that wisdom that God promises for you both!
Mom