Proverbs 29:15

New International Version (NIV)

A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,
but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.

For meditation

1. Do you know that the time to be there for your children and to be serious with their upbringing is now?
2. With the world running so fast on internet connectivity, social network and moral permissiveness, don’t you think your godly influence as a parent is what your children need most?
3. Don’t you think the best guidance you could give your children is teaching and applying the word of God to illumine their path (Deut. 11:19)?
4. Have you tried this in an atmosphere of love and fun that liberates the heart to receive and trust?
5. Don’t you think that lovingly applying the right corrective measures and forms of discipline when necessary would make the difference in your children’s lives?
6. Otherwise, how could you cry foul when their actions bring disgrace and dishonor to you when they grow up (Prov. 29:15)?
7. But how could these things be avoided when you don’t invest your time in your children’s lives now?
8. How could your children be receptive to your discipline when you don’t give them the opportunity to observe, know, and enjoy you? And how can they know and enjoy you when you are not around them?
9. Don’t you think that your own moral values, social and spiritual convictions, principled life, and love for Christ are foundational to a healthy child upbringing?
10. Do you have any idea how much influence the things you say around those little ones affect their worldview and how they value other people?
11. Do you remember the 2015 Charleston, South Carolina church shooting?
12. When the 21-year old murderer and confessed white supremacist, Dylann Roof, said to investigators, “Our people are superior … That’s just the fact,” do you think he developed that fatal hatred for people of other color in a godly, respectful, and tolerant family environment?
13. Do you realize the importance of godly care and parental discipline in children’s lives?

I pray that as we recall this senseless 2015 Charleston church shooting, you will stop to review and consider the kind of convictions and ideals you are communicating to your children in your home. For, it will determine the kind of children you release into the world and for eternity.

So: May you take God’s word seriously in your life, so you could positively influence your children as you share time with them (Deut. 11:18-21); and may your children respond to your godly character, teaching, counsel and discipline, as you share your life with them.

Shalom