Making Disciples

Making Disciples

My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

Proverbs 3:11-12

I remember a call I received from the police. My son had gotten in a bit of trouble, and they needed me to come to the station. I was confused and burdened. I also wondered what I’d done wrong. The Amish are no different:

Recently complaints were registered by residents of the New Holland [Pennsylvania] area that several hundred Amish buggies were being raced along public roads at dangerous speeds (for such vehicles). When State police officers investigated, it was found that Amish young bloods congregated in large numbers and challenged one another to speed contests. Excellent horsemanship was demonstrated, but, because of the ever-present danger of collision between buggies or between buggies, and automobile, the practice was discouraged. Several young Amishmen who lost their heads over the matter were charged with disorderly conduct. A few days later they appeared in alderman’s court, promptly and courteously paid their fines, and apologized for their conduct. . . . The Amish elders did not enjoy the publicity, however, and apparently took their young charges to task over the matter.

Everyone needs to be disciplined, or corrected, at times, but parents also need to consider how they discipline and why. The word discipline comes from a Latin word that means to teach or instruct, or from the noun form, which means student or disciple. Parents should never discipline out of anger. Any discipline that comes as the result of parents’ embarrassment will just frustrate children. There is a better way: “Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master,” we read in Ephesians 6:4 (The Message).

If you are a parent, prayerfully consider how God can better use you to guide and instruct your children in being disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear heavenly Father, I hate to think where I’d be without Your loving discipline. Thank You for patiently and consistently correcting me when I make wrong choices. Thank You for Your loving guidance, which is always available to me.