The Rod of Correction
He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Proverbs 13:24
Solomon repeatedly refers to using the rod of correction in raising children. In fact, in Proverbs 22:15
Solomon states - Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him,. Clearly, Solomon believed that punishment was a suitable remedy to disobedience. And as a father, I have justified my corrective actions based upon many of his and Pual's verses regarding children.
However, when the roles are reversed, we hesitate to embrace such a correctional system. While we are Children of God, we don't relish being treated as children. When we do wrong, we feel that we can justify our actions so that no punishment is required. When we pass by the needy and ignore their situation, shouldn't there be repurcussions for our behavior? When we partake of the sins of the world, are we not guilty? Yet, we do not welcome the rod of correction to drive such behavior from us. We prefer a merciful God that only bestows blessing upon us.
Houwever, will it not be a blessing when we meet others in heaven that we have help along our way? And how are we to recognize the proper behavior unless the "foolishness is driven from us"? In our times of correction, let's be thankful that God loves us enough to correct our behavior. While it may not be pleasant, it will improve us as Christians if we receive His guidance.with an understanding and respectful heart.
Proverbs 13:24
Solomon repeatedly refers to using the rod of correction in raising children. In fact, in Proverbs 22:15
Solomon states - Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him,. Clearly, Solomon believed that punishment was a suitable remedy to disobedience. And as a father, I have justified my corrective actions based upon many of his and Pual's verses regarding children.
However, when the roles are reversed, we hesitate to embrace such a correctional system. While we are Children of God, we don't relish being treated as children. When we do wrong, we feel that we can justify our actions so that no punishment is required. When we pass by the needy and ignore their situation, shouldn't there be repurcussions for our behavior? When we partake of the sins of the world, are we not guilty? Yet, we do not welcome the rod of correction to drive such behavior from us. We prefer a merciful God that only bestows blessing upon us.
Houwever, will it not be a blessing when we meet others in heaven that we have help along our way? And how are we to recognize the proper behavior unless the "foolishness is driven from us"? In our times of correction, let's be thankful that God loves us enough to correct our behavior. While it may not be pleasant, it will improve us as Christians if we receive His guidance.with an understanding and respectful heart.
No comments have been added yet.
