Proper Perspective of Punishment
Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
Proverbs 23:14
Proverbs is known for encouraging the corporal punishment of children. While many have disagreed with the statements over the years, I believe the verse above highlights Solomon's objective. And while a rod is not appropriate for every occasion, preventing a sinful lifestyle is always appropriate!
Is the same not true of our friends and loved ones? Do we not desire for them to go to heaven as well? I would hope the answer to both questions is a resounding yes! Hopefully, we do not chase them with a stick to convert them from their ways! Rather, we approach them in love. While we do not condone their behavior, we love their soul. As such, we strive to change them from their ways so they may join us in heaven.
And Solomon highlights the same focus for our children, we are to correct them to save them from hell. Not because we are frustrated or embarrassed but because we love them so much, we want the best for them. Paul admonishes children to obey their parents in Ephesians, but more importantly, he states in Ephesians 6:4 - And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. As parents, we are to lead them to Christ by steering them away from wrong. Just as we do all others we love.
Proverbs 23:14
Proverbs is known for encouraging the corporal punishment of children. While many have disagreed with the statements over the years, I believe the verse above highlights Solomon's objective. And while a rod is not appropriate for every occasion, preventing a sinful lifestyle is always appropriate!
Is the same not true of our friends and loved ones? Do we not desire for them to go to heaven as well? I would hope the answer to both questions is a resounding yes! Hopefully, we do not chase them with a stick to convert them from their ways! Rather, we approach them in love. While we do not condone their behavior, we love their soul. As such, we strive to change them from their ways so they may join us in heaven.
And Solomon highlights the same focus for our children, we are to correct them to save them from hell. Not because we are frustrated or embarrassed but because we love them so much, we want the best for them. Paul admonishes children to obey their parents in Ephesians, but more importantly, he states in Ephesians 6:4 - And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. As parents, we are to lead them to Christ by steering them away from wrong. Just as we do all others we love.
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