the fear of the Lord.
Time Out for God
Devotional Ministry
By Danna Appleby
Godly Instruction
Come,
my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Ps.
34:11
The Old Testament illustrates many evil kings who
did not follow the way of the Lord. Sons were born who became even more evil than their fathers because
of the example set before them.
King David may have been a great Psalmist and a man
after God’s own heart, but he was a father who evidently did not
participate in the upbringing and discipline of his children. It was
evident with his sons, Absalom and Amnon. They did some very evil deeds
including rape and murder.
Their father grieved over their actions but as a king, he did
nothing about it.
My father took an active role in my discipline. Because I was strong-willed, I had
to have the rod of correction applied to my seat of understanding more
times than I can count. It
made me unhappy, but now I realize I was corrected because I was so
greatly loved. Both of my
parents wanted to see me become a better person than I was headed without
it and did their part to snatch me from the fires of hell. (Jude :23)
He who spares the
rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. Prov.
13:24
My strong-willed character has been turned around in
another way and with a deliberate passion to further the
Train up a child
in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs
22:6
My husband and I recently took our two grandsons to
a motor-cross event.
Anxiously, we squeezed our way through the crowd to find our
seating at the large arena.
Thousands of other wide-eyed youngsters and parents and
grandparents were also there.
Unfortunately, our anticipation was short-lived
because seated directly behind us were two rambunctious little boys having
the time of their lives. Each
of them laughed hysterically as they beat each other over the head with
their rolled up programs.
Arms and legs flailed as two stoic fathers sat on either side of
them like silent bookends.
Ever now and then, one father would come alive enough to dodge
being hit in the head as well.
Our youngest grandson gawked in amazement and I didn’t bother to
stop him from staring since I figured it was a lesson all in itself.
Merriment soon came to an abrupt end when one boy
got hurt and his laughter turned to an outburst of tears. The passive fathers looked on with
not a word spoken in correction or consolation. It was evident these fathers were
unfamiliar with training and discipline.
Some years ago, I watched as a friend of mine
disciplined her toddler. She
did it in such a beautiful way that I have not forgotten it. The little one was acting in a way
mama wasn’t too happy about. Mama gave a swat to a diapered
bottom and then immediately pulled her darling close to her side all in
one svelte movement. She
never raised her voice, but let her daughter know that her behavior was
unacceptable and that she was loved -- all at the same time. I knew I needed to take note since
I was a young mother of two little ones
myself.
Youngsters can become upset when their parents do
not allow them to go their own way and do as they please. But to allow them to do that will
only bring parents heartache in future years. The next verse may actually make
your heart skip a beat at the very thought:
Discipline your
son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his
death. Prov.
19:18
There are those who believe their children have a
mind of their own and should be allowed to choose their own way. From the time the child is very
young, parents may laugh at what is said or done because it seems to be
cute, but those things left uncorrected will eventually embarrass them in
public. As parents, we must
instruct our children and grandchildren in the right way, pray for them,
and then leave the rest to God.
We must not sit back, but guide them just as a shepherd would his
sheep just as the Good Shepherd guides us. Children are much like sheep and
do not know the right way to go.
Direction doesn’t have to become a family battle.
Children should never be made
to feel like they’re being beaten over the head, but rather bringing life
lessons into the picture along the way. Each day lessons can be taught
from whatever is happening at the time. For example, our oldest grandson
has been working for my husband this summer. Since a considerable amount of
time has to be spent in the car traveling from Point “A” to Point “B,” my
husband has been taking the opportunity to give relevant instructions
without my grandson even realizing it. It has been a wonderful time of
learning about life, people and situations.
One
thing we must keep in mind is that time is of the essence for the years
pass by quickly. Before we
know it that little one is no longer a child but an adult and out on his
own in the real world. We
need to take every opportunity to instill in their minds valuable lessons
about life and especially about the Lord their God. That way they will hopefully
become honest, hard working, sincere citizens in our society. When we take the opportunity to
teach them well, we’ll be amazed years later when we hear them teaching
the same things to our grandchildren. I know I am. (Joel
1:3)
These
commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your
children. Talk about them
when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down
and when you get up.
Deut. 6:6-7
Father, I praise you for the children and grandchildren you have blessed us with. Children are truly a gift from You. Help us to use the time given so that we will be a vessel that you can work through to guide, heal, protect, nurture, correct and instruct our little ones. Help us to take discipline very seriously because you have told us to do that in your Word. Help us not to become lazy with those you have entrusted to us. Help us to be stern at the right times but always loving. Help us to be Christ-like in the home so our children will see you through us. Help us to be faithful to our children and grandchildren never letting them down. Thank you again for those you have given to us for safekeeping. In Jesus’ name. Amen.