Clearly the family is the critical center of social force. When the family falters, life falls apart. One unforgettable law has been learned through all the disasters and injustices of the last thousand years; if things go well with the family, life is worth living. Even when poverty and disorientation strike, it is family strength that most defends individuals against alienation, lassitude or despair. (Dr. Michael Novak, Harper's Magazine)
The family is the first and most important classroom and training ground for society. The family provides the security, the heritage, the perpetuation of morality, without which no society can survive. The family is one of the divine institutions (practices or customs) established by God to protect, preserve, and allow the human race to enjoy blessings on earth (Genesis 4:1-2; Ephesians 6:1-4).
Our next generation will determine the strength of the family and society. This enormous responsibility rest on the shoulders of present-day parent(s). Thankfully, God has given parents implicit instructions how to train the children of our next generation.
Today's lesson was centered on the topic of discipline (rewards and punishments). When the practice of discipline follows God's design, the family is strengthened. When parents "opt out" and choose not to follow God's design, calamities, conundrums, and catastrophes will eat through the fabric of the family and society.
In Proverbs 30:11-17 we read what happens when a child does not respond, does not obey, and is not properly disciplined. Proverbs 29:15, states: "...a child left to himself brings shame to his mother."
Training children should be done by example (Proverbs 20:7; Deuteronomy 6:5-7); in love (Ephesians 6:4); and with hope (Proverbs 19:18). Just as God disciplines us (for enlargement and/or correction), we are to follow His design as we implement discipline with our children.
Parents have a great responsibility, but they also have a perfect Teacher. We MUST take the time to do it right. If you do, your child will "...give you comfort, he'll delight your soul." (Proverbs 29:15)
It's worth it! "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth." (3 John 4)
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