Recently one Tamil video went viral. It’s about three-year- old crying. She says: “Do not beat me.” Probably her mother (not shown in video) replies: “What should I do if you do not obey.” Crying still, “You should tell with your mouth and not beat me.” This is repeated several times. The creator of the video sends a message that parents should not discipline a child with punishment like spanking. Sadly, the author and director of the video undermines parental responsibility and authority. Parents are stewards of God given gifts: children. To love, teach, train, equip, care and provide for their needs if their priority and purpose of life.
1) Love: God is our model. He loves us and disciplines us. “The LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” Love is expressed in discipline. “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” (Proverbs 13:24; 3:12)
2) Wisdom: The rod and reproof give wisdom to children. (Proverbs 29:15) Children have foolishness in them, that must be carefully removed. “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15) Wisdom could be ingrained in them, only when foolishness is removed.
3) Faith and faithfulness: Using a rod is an act of faith and faithfulness. Rod is just an instrument of discipline; we trust God and use it. If we are faithful to our call as parents, we will not hesitate to use the rod when necessary.
4) Discipline not in anger: Rod is not for indiscriminate or abusive use.
It should be used with love, a lot of restraint and not under the influence of wrath or anger.
5) Discipline not for honour: Some parents are more worried about their reputation. They would say: “If you behave like this, we will lose all honour in our society.” That means, they esteem their honour more than the welfare of the child.
Do I fulfill the call of parenting by disciplining?