Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
–Proverbs 22:6
One of the most important things you can teach your children is respect.
Because unless a child learns respect, they learn rebellion. Children need to be taught respect for God, for parents, for school authorities, and for church leaders.
The reason is because we are each born with the inclination to rebel and disobey. As Proverbs 22:15 says, “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.”
Now, I know that the “rod of discipline” is a controversial subject in today’s society. But regardless of where you stand on spanking your children, every child needs discipline.
So how do you know when should you should discipline your child?
- You should discipline your child when he or she willfully disobeys, not matter what their age.
- You should discipline your child when he or she steps out of bounds. Make sure your children know what the boundaries are and correct them when they break the rules.
Make the rules fair and reasonable—don’t major in the minors—but enforce the boundaries. When you teach and discipline your children on those things that are precious, valuable, and eternal, you’ll give them something to live by. And you’ll help grow them into the men and women God created them to be.
Are you modeling respect for God, parents, school authorities, and church leaders in your home?
