D is for Discipline

By Trina Titus Lozano

Vance Havner says, “The alternative to discipline is disaster.” It is a disaster for everyone; the parent, the child and anyone they encounter. An blocks

undisciplined toddler will instantly ruin any atmosphere. Unfortunately, throwing a fit and screaming to get their own way isn’t a phase that a child will outgrow. Soon they will become an undisciplined teen and then naturally grow into an undisciplined adult throwing a fit.

Sadly, I have encountered many parents who are trying to discipline their children, yet they themselves are undisciplined adults.

I recently wrote a father’s day card to my dad, thanking him for demonstrating discipline. He taught me that disciplined behavior is a prerequisite for success.

My husband and I understand that we better be self-disciplined if we expect to raise self-disciplined children. The GOAL is to teach your children to be self-disciplined, rather than just robots responding to your every command.

Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that this is not a painless process, “No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

First, it requires my own self discipline to actually go to the trouble of disciplining my kiddos. Through my example, through “the rod,” and many other creative consequences of their direct disobedience, all which must be painful to be effective.

Can you imagine attending a parent-teacher conference at your child’s school and hearing a good report of how peaceful and righteous your child is? How did that happen? It was the painful process of daily discipline.

We must embrace discipline and instruction for ourselves and our children. “The one who follows instruction is on the path to life, but the one who rejects correction goes astray.” Proverbs 10:17

Often I will make the point to my kids that their rules are the same as mine. They have to call if they’ll be home late and so do I. They have no privacy on the computer and neither do I. We all do our chores before playtime. They aren’t allowed to scream when angry and I’m not allowed to scream either. Basically, the rules are all the same.

Work is doing it and discipline is doing it every day.

My Prayer:
Lord let me be a disciplined mother, and let me teach my children to lead disciplined lives. Let me be your faithful servant, Lord, and let me teach faithfulness by my conduct and by my communications. Let me raise my family in the knowledge of Your Word, and let me follow your commandments just as surely as I teach my children to obey you and to love you. Amen.