Friday, 8th September 2023
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: STRONG PARENTAL DISCIPLINE
THEME SCRIPTURE: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” – Proverbs 22:6
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Is it wrong to discipline children and being firm in their correction?
At this moment, King David was old and stricken in years (1 Kings 1:1), about 70 years of age. His physical condition had deteriorated. This is that David who was seen as the athletic giant-slayer. He was the warrior-hero, the noble ruler and the talented musician. But there was lying down David, and his servants had to cover him with piles of clothes and yet he could not be warmed. Whiles King David was struggling to remain alive, Adonijah, now his eldest son was puffing himself up and parading himself as the incoming king (1 Kings 1:5).
Similar to the prodigal son, Adonijah was less interested in his father’s wellbeing but most interested in grabbing power.
The wisdom of scripture admonishes that we should train up every child in the way he should go. If trained in ‘the way’, this child will remain in the way and this can be possible if parental discipline for our children can be firm. David might have been engrossed so much in building the city of David and expanding the borders of his kingdom. He might have been committed to quieting the nations around Israel at the neglect of his family. So, it is recorded that Adonijah’s father (David) had never rebuked him by asking, “Why do you behave as you do?” (1 Kings 1:6). King David was never there to provide correction and guidance to his children who were going to succeed and continue his legacy.
Precious one, the family is the first training ground for trusteeship, accountability and the fear of God.
Throughout scriptures, there are countless examples and sayings pointing us to the importance of strong parental discipline. Some examples include, but not limited to Eli’s (the priest) failure with his children (1 Sam 3:13), Samuel’s failure with his children (1 Sam 8:3). And the sayings are true that the one who spares his rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines him promptly (Prov. 13:24). So, no parent is to withhold correction from a child (Prov 23:13). But rather let us instruct, correct, rebuke and exalt with all diligence.
Fathers, it is your responsibility not to provoke your children to wrath. Rather, bring them up in the training and admonishing of the Lord (Eph 6:4).
This suggests that a father is not being responsible if he has never bought bibles for his children even though he has bought all kinds of tablet and toys for them. Training and admonishing children in the Lord begins with introducing them to God’s word and using it as the standard of their upbringing. Beloved, even though unstructured and relaxed theories of parenting have been popular lately, a new consensus is emerging even among secular psychologists that a firm and loving parenting is the best. If you are a parent, be firm. If you are a child submit to firm and loving corrections; it is the way of the Lord. Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING – 1 Kings 1:1-10
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- How did correction influence your upbringing and how do you intend to raise your children?
CONFESSION
Precious Father, thank you for the wisdom given us to raise godly children. I receive grace to walk in this wisdom. May I never accept that the stern correction of a father is to destroy me. Always wielding boldness to provide corrections to others as well. Hallelujah!
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Kings 14; Ezekiel 4; 2 Corinthians 12; 2 Corinthians 13
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