Just as our Heavenly Father is more concerned over building our character than making us happy all the time, we, as God-honoring parents should be the same way too. We should not think twice about disciplining our children, and enforcing consequences because we do not want them to get mad at us, or feel lonely.
We are divinely called to be their parents, not their friends, and so we should stop pleasing them at the expense of not calling out their behaviors or wrong choices.
“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” Proverbs 13:24
Our sacrifices as parents should not be limited to the physical sacrifices of providing for our children’s needs and caring for them. We should also be brave enough to endure their resentments, long faces, and even cold treatment whenever we have to call their attention, enforce house rules, and make them face the consequences of their negative behavior.
In Jesus’ own words, we are to uphold His teachings and live it in our lives no matter the social or emotional cost. As parents, this means training our children to follow Jesus’ teachings even if they do not feel like following it.
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.” Matthew 10:34-36
And as long as we discipline them with love guided by God’s words, our Heavenly Father will cover our inadequacies with His sufficient grace. He will shower our family with the strength, grace, and mercy to stay intact.
When we remain faithful to His calling, He will reward our obedience. We will get to watch our children grow as adults living the best life God has planned for them. A life that sees values in simplicity and is focused on what truly matters. A life lived in integrity rooted in God’s truth. A life they and their children will never be ashamed of living.
“Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.” Proverbs 13:18
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Proverbs 13:18-24 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you think twice when disciplining your children? Do you have the guts to call them out when they are not acting according to Biblical principles?
Conversation with the Lord: Father God, thank you for the gift of motherhood. May you continue to give me the grace and strength to raise my children according to how you want me to raise them. Be my guide, my source of hope, strength and encouragement. Hold my hand when the decisions are hard, and embrace me when the times are tough, and be with me each day to experience the joys of parenting. Amen.Â