ODJ: hey, that’s mine
July 23, 2009
Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, “Why are you doing that?” (v.6).
READ: 1 Kings 1:5-10
My son was playing with some toys at a local library when a little girl came over and grabbed a truck out of his toddler grip. He looked at her loot as if to say, “Hey, that’s mine!” I scanned the room for the person in charge of this little marauder, but found no one standing by to rein her in.
As parents, we have the responsibility to “direct [our] children onto the right path” (Proverbs 22:6). It is our loving discipline that helps them own up to their monkey business and sets the direction for the rest of their lives.
David probably wished he’d done a better job of keeping his kids in line. As he was dying, his son Adonijah declared, “I will make myself king” (v.5), instead of waiting for his father to name the next ruler. Adonijah lacked respect for his father because “King David had never disciplined him at any time” (v.6). Correcting our children teaches them to respect others—including us as parents.
Disciplining our little ones also helps them to calculate the consequences of their actions. Sometimes we can provide meaningful guidance just by questioning their behavior. Sadly, David never even asked Adonijah, “Why are you doing that?” (v.6).
Adonijah continued to go after Israel’s throne until finally, his brother Solomon—the rightful king—had him killed. Maybe that’s why we’re warned, “Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives” (Proverbs 19:18).
As parents, we want our kids to live meaningful, God-honoring lives. But let’s face it, “a youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness” (Proverbs 22:15). That’s why we need to help them own up to their mischief by correction and discipline—so that they’re ready to admit, “Hey, that’s mine.”
—Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Why does God want us to discipline our children? How can you better discipline your children? Be more consistent? More loving? More age-appropriate?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it
RSS FeedRelated
ODJ: human race
The alarm clock goes off far too early. At least, that’s how it feels. A long day awaits you. First, you need to drop the children off at school. Then there’s a breakfast meeting to attend, followed by a whole series of urgent matters to deal with. That’s a typical day for a lot [...]
ODJ: Betrayed
If you were to name your newborn son, which of these three names would you choose: James, John, or Judas? You might select James or John, but—undoubtedly—you wouldn’t name your son Judas. You might name your dog Max or Rover, but not Judas. Even a dog deserves a respectable name! Judas means praise, but it [...]
ODB: the king of fruits
The durian, a tropical fruit, is often called The King of Fruits. Either you love it or you hate it. Those who love it will do almost anything to get it. Those who hate it won’t get near it because of its pungent smell. My wife loves it. Recently, a friend, who was grateful for [...]
ODB: The Mighty Toe
Recently, I heard of a sport that challenges my imagination—I can’t comprehend why anyone would play it. It’s called “Toe Wrestling.” Every year, people from across the globe gather in England for the world championships. Competitors sit on the ground facing each other and then lock the big toe of the other’s bare foot. The [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米
Let every parent know that it is their duty to teach children moral and spiritual life.