April 29, 2013 Use God's Rod

Read Proverbs 29 Use God's Rod Prov 29:15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. WHAT are you thinking as you read the title of this devotion and the scripture “the rod of correction”? Perhaps you are thinking of “spare the rod and spoil the child”. I think through history, many children have received physical punishment because “rod” was associated with a strong stick or pole used for punishment. Perhaps most of those punishments were out of line. Look at the meaning of “rod” and you will indeed find it means a “stick used for punishment”. But you will also see it applies to so much more. For example, “rod” has a Hebrew origin that means “divine guidance and care”. (Psalms 23:4 … I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.) The rods of Moses and Aaron were the visible means God chose for the instrument of his wonders in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness. Now, what does the “rod” have to do with discipline? Your first means of discipline as a parent and person of authority is to use the authority of God’s Word. Live by the Bible’s “rod-divine guidance”. Model correct behavior, and properly guide your children. Instill in them through your obedience what it looks like to live under God’s rod of authority. Teach them God’s true ways Yes, there may likely be times you will need to briefly use a rod as a stick to discipline, but never use it freely thinking that’s all a rod is. Too often we want to transfer authority by force. It never ever works. Yes, you will have peace for a time, but one day you will find your child gone, despising authority, despising God as you pretend to obey his Word with violence. The Lord’s rod is for wisdom. Use it wisely. It’s True! God’s rod is a powerful tool for parenting when wisely used.