| Rearing a Child in Discipline |
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Bro. Rene Tumang We have obligations to our children. "If you have sons, chastise them; bend their necks from childhood. If you have daughters, keep them chaste, and be not indulgent to them. Giving your daughter in marriage ends a great task; but give her to a worthy man" (Sir. 7:23-25). Parents should assist their sons and daughters in finding their partners. In the same way, a son or daughter's love for their parents should not lessen when they have found a partner. If parents give in to every whims and wishes of their children, there is a problem. "He who disciplines his son will benefit from him, and boast of him among his intimates" (Sir. 30:2). The most disciplined people are not from this generation, but from the past. Before, children don't open the door to guests, nor daughters are allowed to just roam around. "He who educates his son makes his enemy jealous, and shows his delight in him among his friends" (v3). Let the will of God prevail. It's a joy for parents to see a disciplined child. "He who spoils his son will have wounds to bandage, and will quake inwardly at every outcry" (v7). "Pamper your child and he will be a terror for you, indulge him and he will bring you grief" (v9). "Give him not his own way in his youth, and close not your eyes to his follies. Bend him to the yoke when he is young, thrash his sides while he is still small, lest he become stubborn, disobey you, and leave you disconsolate" (v11-12). Some teachings to live by: "And that from infancy you have known the sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work." If parents are full of love, their children become obedient. Parents should have discipline so they can discipline their children.
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