Finger-wrapping and Tail-swatting
Friday, May 19, 2023
“If Christians desire to grow thorns with which to stuff their sleepless pillows, let them dote on their children.” – C.H. Spurgeon
If you are an even semi-regular reader of these daily devotional messages, you know how much I love my six grandchildren. In fact, it is public knowledge that each of them has their “Papa” wrapped around their little fingers… and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
However, that doesn’t mean that I idolize them. When push comes to shove, I will administer discipline as needed and even a dose or two of “tough love.” After all, a stern warning followed by a mild swat on the pants went a long way with their parents when they were young, and they turned out just fine.
Parents in the 21st century are burning the candle at both ends. Most of them work full-time jobs and then come home to a houseful of children and chores. What’s a frazzled and fatigued mom or dad to do? In many cases, they simply let the kids have their way, whether it’s eating what they want or watching what they choose. Or they make the opposite mistake, shuttling little Johnny and Susie from one after-school activity to another, as if missing one ballgame or one dance class will cause irreparable harm.
The truth of the matter is that kids need both quality and quantity time with their parents to develop properly. They also require loving care and correction. Spoiling them may assuage the guilt of a stressed and overworked parent, but a placated conscience does little to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of a child.
Better to teach our children how to pray on their knees than to sit on a pedestal.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)
“And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” Hebrews 12:5-6 (BSB)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
