SPARE THE ROD...

Dearly Beloved, SPARE THE ROD... “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him” (Proverbs 13:24 NIV). “The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother” (Proverbs 29:15 NIV). The heroism or otherwise of Ms. Toya Graham, the woman who publicly spanked her teenage son during the recent riot in Baltimore, USA, still baffles me. What is really heroism in this act? The publicity the incident attracted and people’s reactions and comments for and against it prove the depravity in the role of parents to bring up their children in the right way. It is unfortunate that discipline and upbringing of children have been given different meanings in many parts of the civilized world. In these places, parents cannot freely discipline their children because of some so-called laws of child abuse. Unfortunately, many children and youth have become wayward and depraved in their thinking and behaviours and the society is becoming more and more corrupt morally. This is not so in Africa as well as in the Ancient Near East where discipline of children is primarily the responsibility of the parents and at the same time the joint responsibility of the society at large. However, some children and youth, and even some adults, in Africa and other parts of the world where there is value for child discipline are clamouring for freedom of children and youth in the name of human rights. In spite of this, many people all the world still value parental discipline of children. No wonder, what the Baltimore woman did publicly was acclaimed by many as act of heroism and made many to even declare the woman as the mom of the year! The Holy Bible is clear about parental discipline of children. Consider these Bible passages: “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him” (Proverbs 13:24 NIV). “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death” (Proverbs 19:18 NIV). “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV). “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15 NIV). “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death” (Proverbs 23:13-14 NIV). “The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother…. Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul” (Proverbs 29:15, 17 NIV). “[Parents], do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4 NIV). Regardless of views of the world about parental discipline, parents should not be hesitant to discipline their children either publicly or privately. This will surely make this world a better place. Spare the rod, and spoil not only the child, but the society as well. To parents like Ms. Toya Graham, I wish you Happy Mother’s Day! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not be condemned for failure to discipline your children either publicly or privately. NB This message is dedicated to Ms. Toya Graham and other mothers that value discipline of children no matter what.