Discipline from an Early Age, a Bright Future for Children

One of the keys to success in life is a disciplined attitude. If we follow the desires of the flesh, such as laziness or pride, discipline can become something painful. On the other hand, if we follow God's desires, discipline is enjoyable and becomes something we do consistently.

Even better, if this discipline is nurtured from an early age, namely within the family environment. Children who are accustomed to doing everything with discipline will grow into people who are responsible and more resilient in facing life's challenges.

The following three Bible stories can help us see: what do children who are raised with discipline by their parents become like, and what about those who are not?

1. Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 2:11-29)

Do the children of pastors, children of God's servants, or children of people who are active in church necessarily have a good spiritual life and fear God?

Not necessarily. A parent's upbringing affects a child's character, including the attitude of discipline instilled from childhood. No matter how good our spiritual life is as parents, if we rarely or never discipline our children, they will tend to sin as they please.

Now Eli's sons were wicked men; they did not acknowledge the Lord. – 1 Samuel 2:12

As a priest and judge, Eli was entrusted by God to serve as priest in Shiloh, where the ark of the covenant was kept. His prayer for Hannah, that God would be pleased to give her more children in place of Samuel, was also heard by God (1 Samuel 2:20-21).

However, sadly, when it came to disciplining his children, Eli did not do it (1 Samuel 2:29). Hophni and Phinehas despised the offering sacrifice for the Lord (verse 17). They fell into the sin of sexual immorality with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting (verse 22), and when they were rebuked, they would not listen (verses 23-25).

Without discipline, a child will live as he pleases, justify any means, and like to break the rules.

2. Joel and Abijah (1 Samuel 8:1-22)

Samuel was one of the greatest judges the people of Israel had at that time. “... The LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground” (1 Samuel 3:19).

Sadly, the character of his children, namely Joel and Abijah, was not like his. In Samuel's old age, when his two sons became judges, serious problems arose. Besides not making fair decisions, Joel and Abijah also lived as they pleased and were self-seeking.

But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice. – 1 Samuel 8:3.

The stories of Eli's sons and Samuel's sons are a warning to us not to be busy only with spiritual activities while neglecting to teach discipline to our children. We may be excellent in work and ministry, or respected in our neighborhood. However, none of that automatically makes us good parents.

That is why, besides setting an example for our children, we also need to teach them the consequences of wrongdoing. If we let it go, those bad habits or attitudes will grow worse and may even damage the child's life and the lives of those around them in the future.

3. Jesus Christ (Luke 2:41-52)

Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. And His mother kept all these things in her heart. – Luke 2:51

Some may think that Jesus grew up as a person full of wisdom, loved by God and by people, because He is the Son of God. That is true, Jesus is the Son of God. But do not forget, He was also born as a human child and lived a human life. He was taught and raised by Joseph and Mary.

Before Jesus was born, Joseph and Mary already knew that they had been given a very great trust and grace. They would become the parents of the Savior and Redeemer of humankind. In other words, they were responsible for the care and upbringing of Jesus.

Joseph and Mary were ordinary human beings, just like us. The Bible does not record Jesus' childhood and youth in detail. However, seeing Jesus' character as an adult, we know that Joseph and Mary had raised Him according to the teaching of God's Word.

Let us imitate Joseph and Mary, who disciplined Jesus from childhood, so that He became a child who obeyed God. As human beings, they were not perfect, but they strove to give Jesus perfect care.

Discipline Must Be Paired with Example

If you feel that you have not taught discipline to your child, starting today, try to “discipline” yourself to do it. Do not nurture a culture of letting things slide when your child does what is improper or commits sin. Proverbs 29:15 says: The rod and rebuke bring wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

It is better not to do nothing but nag or yell at your child without a clear reason. Tell him where he is wrong, why it is wrong, and what he should do instead. When a child is rebellious, you may give disciplinary consequences for his own good. Of course, do it in ways that please God, not merely to vent your anger or satisfy your ego as a parent.

Besides that, accompany discipline with example. If you expect your child to be on time, be a punctual parent as well. If you want your child to put away toys or tidy up the room, show that you also always keep your own room neat. Leading by example will make children respect their parents more and be interested in imitating their actions.

Lastly, if you encounter difficulties, do not hesitate to discuss them with a spiritual mentor or brothers and sisters who are more experienced in parenting. God bless your family!

* Church GKDI is currently in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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