Discipline

Proverb 29:1. A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed-without remedy.

Philippians 2: 14-15. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life...

As in previous generations, our generation has depravity.  We are to shine like stars reflecting the glory of Christ.  We are to labor for Him in showing the unbelievers the hope that Christ brings.
Our behavior should emulate that of Christ. We are to do everything without complaining or arguing.
God rebukes us when we get off track.  At times, he burdens us with a conviction that we are living a lie.  When we are disobedient to God, he disciplines us because he loves us. When we are off track, God makes it uncomfortable and disturbing so that our confusion causes problems in our lives with regard to our marriages, our work, our friendships, our self-esteem, and especially our relationships with God. As proverbs says, we must not remain stiff-necked when God allows this discipline. We must learn to recognize that God is leading us to realize our lack of faith and disobedience. This will enable us to make a change so that we may remain blameless and shine for Christ!

This kind of discipline should come from us as parents. We must rebuke our children when they behave in such a manner that is displeasing to God. We must train them to not argue with us. Explain that out of love for them and their futures, we discipline them for their bad behavior.  Discipline must be presented in a manner that best restrains the child.  He/she must not be allowed to bully us parents with their continued complaining and taking charge.  They need to learn self-control and respect for authority.  It is our job as parents to continue the long term fight to be the person in charge who guides our children with loving but firm hands.

See my book, "Proverbs: Wisdom for Daily Living" for more of God's guidance about discipline and other subjects.  Buy it from Amazon or Barnes and Noble as a digital book for $4.99.

Kay Thompson Brown
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