"Spanked"

Remember getting “whippings?” Did you ever have to go get your mom a switch to use on you? What was your mom’s or dad’s “weapon” of choice? From belts to fly swatters the options seemed to be endless growing up in my house.

Now that I have children I find myself in the same position my parents were in so many times.  It can be challenging to discipline at times. But good parents, in my opinion, don’t hesitate to do what is necessary when it comes to training their children. The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Part of training has to be discipline, with discipline comes punishment. Proverbs 13:24 says, “He who spares the rod, hates his son. But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.”  The New Living Translation puts it this way, “Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children but those who love their children care enough to discipline them.”

What true parent hates their children? I have had to discipline my children a number of times. I know there are many methods of successful discipline such as time out and other alternatives. However, I am not opposed to spanking. I believe when a child gets a spanking they remember the punishment and may be less likely to repeat the offense.

Much like children, Christians at times may need a “spiritual spanking.” God sends His word through men and women of God, not only to bring joy but also to bring discipline. Hebrews 4:12, says “For God’s word is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit and of joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

The same way a child needs discipline in their training we do as well. When we make mistakes or missteps as believers, it is God sending fatherly love and discipline through His word by using our pastors and ministers.  Most children, especially when they are young, can be spanked for an offense and five minutes later they are back in the arms or on the lap of whoever punished them; we should practice this as adults.

Don’t hold a grudge against the preacher for proclaiming God’s holy word. Likewise, don’t get upset with God for sending discipline your way. Recognize your mistakes and learn from them. Let the Word of God lead you in the right direction. When you feel the sting of the scriptures on your backside, let it be a reminder to you of what you should do better next time. Remember a good father chastens his children. There is no better father then our Lord!

Think about it.