Self-Denial 2023: Children
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.
Hebrews 12:5-6 (NKJV)
The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother... Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul.
Proverbs 29:15,17 (NKJV)
He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.
Proverbs 13:24 (NKJV)
I was NOT an exemplary parent, although I loved my girls and tried my best. But if 'No one is good except God alone' (Mark 10:18), how could I sort it all out without Him? *
Now I’m acting in the grandmother role. I’m still learning, but here’s what I believe: Kids are delightful manipulators. Too-busy parents are easily led. Savvy children are directors-in-charge: charming, storming, begging, and demanding.
Are they spoiled? If so, who’s responsible?
Therein, consider the Parable of the Prodigal Son. ** Was he spoiled? Honestly, I don’t thing so. A wiser father never existed. Perhaps his younger son met temptation and yielded to a spirit of selfishness. (Me, too. I was a strong-willed and self-centered.)
But the wise father's response to hs sons is a lesson for all troubled parents: he agreed to his son’s foolish request, knowing hard consequences would follow.
His father didn’t beg him to stay home.
He didn’t tell him how foolish he was.
He didn’t get angry or disown him.
He didn’t chase him or have him followed.
He didn’t buy him out of disaster.
Instead, he allowed his son to hunger,
And live in deplorable conditions…
Until he at last ‘Came to his senses’ (Luke 15:17).
When the prodigal finally came home, his father was waiting with open arms.
Surely he was grieved by his departure, but the father’s love was wise and patient. He allowed his son to learn the hard way.
Parents: learn from God. Don’t spoil your children. It breeds selfishness. It breeds dependence on you, and not Him. This story shows us: Even great parents can have wayward children. Don’t lower yourself to play the blame game.
Instead, do just what the wise father did: Let them hurt. Let them learn. Let them fall down and reach up to God.***
Self-Denial 2023: Children (Part 8)
* When I committed to Christ at 51, I asked and believed God for two things: to improve me as a parent and to call my lovely and strong-willed adult daughters to Him… which He DID in His infinite mercy and generosity. Today, they are both married mothers raising their children in the wisdom of a magnificent Father.
** The Parable of the Prodigal Son:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015%3A11-32&version=NKJV
*** I realize tough is hard to give, and I didn’t practice what I’m preaching, but now as a Christian, I know better: If we don’t teach our kids self-denial, if we cover or fix things they do wrong, if we don’t let them learn consequences, then we need to dig deeper in the Word.
NOTE: This is a 2022 update of a 2012 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors,
Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.