April 4, 2008
The real problem with people - Part 2
Last time we talked about sin being the root problem in our lives and in the lives of our children. The root problem is not ignorance! How does God want us to address the sin we see in the lives of children?
Giving children more information will not solve the issue. We are called to love one another, and love does not ignore the problem. The example of how God deals with us is our model for dealing with our children.
In Hebrews 12:4-11 the author encourages the Hebrews with the truth that God disciplines His children. God is motivated by love to discipline. So the Lord’s discipline is a sign of His love for us. Discipline is hard and painful and not pleasant. God does not discipline out of anger but out of love.
So the first thing loving discipline does is to confront the behavior and the foolishness behind that behavior. Loving discipline then calls for repentance; a turning away from the sinful behavior and attitude. Loving discipline chooses an appropriate consequence in keeping with the offense. Loving discipline offers forgiveness and relationship toward the offending person.
Discipline administered out of anger boarders on abuse. Getting angry at a person for a sin, or holding a grudge is not a sign of love to that person. A persons’ sin ought to break our hearts as we move to discipline and correct their sin. God is not angry with his children (Romans 8:1); He loves them and disciplines them so they might share in His holiness.
So how does this fit with education? Education is about developing the whole person and seeing the child disciplined in good character. We cannot change hearts but we can provide consequences and discipline to join God in His work in their hearts.
Proverbs 2:22,23 - The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.
Proverbs 6:23 - For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; And reproofs for discipline are the way of life.
Proverbs 12:1 - Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid.
Proverbs 13:24 - He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.