I have noticed for quite some time how parents seem to be having a harder time with their children than they used to. I realize that children since Adam and Eve's little ones have acted up and I know it will not stop. The problem now seems to be one that is different though. Let me explain.
I'm not sure when it started but for some reason parents have stopped being parents. They seem to be more interested in being their child's buddy or friend rather than his/her leader, protector and role model. The parents appear to be more interested in "hanging out" with their children than disciplining, correcting and teaching their children. If you think about it it makes sense though. It is much easier to be a buddy, pal, or friend than a disciplinarian, leader, or role model. The latter is not fun and makes the children mad. They don't want to be corrected, disciplined, or taught. They just want someone to give them what they want, when they want it, and how they want it. I know. I was a child once myself.
The problem with the above scenario is that the little ones that have been intrusted to us do not have the maturity, knowledge or history of mistake-making that we adults have. It is our duty and responsibility to teach them and that may involve hurting their feelings which may in turn prevent a larger hurt from happening down the road. It will make them mad when we disagree and correct them. Our job is not to be their friend, that will come when they are older. Our job is to lovingly correct, discipline, lead, and teach them to make good choices and pray that they will use that knowledge when they are older.
8 comments:
Hey DT!
I agree totally! We want our children to feel comfortable about coming to us with problems, issues, etc. so we try to be "cool" and be their friend. But we have to remember to trust in the Lord and make teaching our children to fear the Lord a priority. If they are not obedient, then they will be out of control!!
I have a good relationship with my daughter (10yrs old) that I hope and pray will continue into her teens years. But I see the fruit of what she is being taught almost every day. She talks to me, yes, but she also talks to the Lord and relies on Him to help her where needed. That's more important than anything.
She gets mad sometimes when she is disciplines, but God works on her heart and she doesn't stay mad. Children need (and I believe) want their parents to discipline them and teach them, even when they try to act like they don't. It shows them that we love them.
"A fool despises his father's instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent." Proverbs 15:5
"Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, And deliver his soul from hell." Proverbs 23:13-14
Harsh, but true.
Hello Stranger Melissa,
You said "Children need (and I believe) want their parents to discipline them and teach them, even when they try to act like they don't. It shows them that we love them.
"A fool despises his father's instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent." Proverbs 15:5"
I could not agree with you more. This is dead-on.
Btw, you need to update your blog. Keep writing.
DT
I think here is one more example of where Good Theology should permeate all the areas of our life.
When we forget the relationship of Jesus and the Father, the submission with intimacy, the obedience with love, his nearness with a very clear role; God the Father is the Head of Christ, we also forget how our relationships should look like.
We are made to His image, but as we distort that image with cheap buddies of God theology, and regarding God as a wish granter and guardian of our comfort we also distort all the bases in our society to live according to the Bible.
Being a parent is only one of the many defficient areas our lives have.
We need to recover the true relationship of God the father to us His sons, the real value and meaning of authority and difference of roles, without going to the extremes of absolute control or total freedom, but looking at the trinity as an example.
As parents pray to submitt to the the Lord, they grow wiser on being leaders for their kids. As they love and look for intimacy witout forgetting their role and responsability we will see kids who respond.. maybe not inmediately.. but with time in thankfullness but specially in faith.
C.R.M.
Christian,
Thanks for your comment.
Please elaborate on this comment.
"Being a parent is only one of the many defficient areas our lives have."
Thanks,
DT
Sure DT!!
I guess I mean all the relationships that are portrayed in the last chapters of Ephesians.
Husbands, wives, parents, children, masters, slaves (or maybe Bosses and workers). Even church relationships in earlier chapters.
I dare to say that this last chapters of Ephesians call for an application of all the Exposition Paul just did on our Glorious God! Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
Does that clarify a little??
I'm sorry about my English!!! (I'm still working on my English writting skills ; ) )
In Christ.
C.R.M.
Peace be with the reader.
The time has come.
Knock on the door at:
http://www.marques.co.za/duke
The Faithful Witness
C.R.M.,
Where are you from?
DT
Bogota, Colombia.
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