“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” Proverbs 13:24 NIV
Discipline is what modern believers need the most but want the least. Much of the problems of instability in the lives of many Christians can be traced to the basic fault of an indisciplined way of life. There is no way someone who is not disciplined can claim to be a genuine follower of Christ. Christianity embraces disciplined lifestyle. It is a way of life that does not accept “anything goes”. No one can become genuinely holy, unless he is disciplined in all areas of daily living. The advantage that a person with a disciplined life has will be seen not only in greater holiness and spirituality, but also in greater efficiency and effectiveness in everything that he or she does for the Lord. Many homes today, go through challenging and sorrowful moments because they had given little or no attention to a life of discipline. The husband does whatever he likes, the wife does the same and the children are on their own. There may be other secondary causes of problems in homes but somewhere behind all of them is a fundamental need for discipline.
In our world today, One of the most difficult responsibilities for parents (Christian parents inclusive) in raising their children is exercising discipline. In Fact, most parents would rather not discipline their children at all since it seems much easier to just let things go rather than have a confrontation. However, if the ultimate good of the children is at heart, it is necessary to exercise loving but firm and consistent discipline. Discipline is evidence of love. When consistent discipline is enforced with the right attitude, one is actually expressing love exactly like God does express His love.
At the centre of discipline in every home is the crucial role of the woman. In the real sense of the matter, she cannot afford not to relate with all members of the family either as a wife or the mother. The woman is a physical display of an answer to prayer request of favour by man. This is because a man knows he has obtained favour from God, when he finds “the good” wife. “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour from the Lord.” Proverbs 18:22 NIV And in order to fulfil her destiny and play her God-given roles effectively, she herself must be disciplined. For a disciplined mother, having children is a divine calling from God, and every child is valuable because they are created in His image. Therefore, the destiny of the husband and that of their children is tied to the life of the good mother.
There still exists many disciplined Mothers who run their God-given assignment with focus. They do not engage in idle talks. They invest great time in prayers, study and meditation of God’s word in order to know the mind of God. They have gone through stages of discipline in order to stay focused. Of course, their own parents did not spare the rod. They were properly nurtured and are committed to transferring same disciplined lifestyle to their children. But there are also many distracted ones, who contribute immensely to the rot in the society today. They had received good discipline because their parents did not spare the rod. But they have refused to continue with the vision. Such do not care enough to know important details about their children that could assist them in giving proper advice as at when due. They devote most percentage of their time to frivolities and are less concerned with their main constituency. Proverbs 29:15 reveals what happens to the mother who neglects discipline. “A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.” Proverbs 29:15 NIV. The result is simple, disgrace upon disgrace. What type of Mother are you?
As we celebrate our mothers today and always, we thank them for many sacrifices they have made in times past and will still make. We pray for God’s strength, grace and mercy on them as they impart generations. But we challenge them to remain focused on their God-given assignment. Although, It is true that discipline in the home should be enforced by both parents, the woman still remains the conscience of the family. We pray that our mothers will never be tired. God will continually increase His anointing upon them. They will not be troubled. They will eat the fruit of their labour. All that give them joy will never be sources of sorrow to them. And Shame will never be their portion in Jesus name.
Happy Mothering Sunday.