Episode 9: Discipleship—the Focus of Discipline
What kind of images does the word “discipline” conjure up for you? Oftentimes we equate discipline mostly with consequences, but have you ever stopped to consider that the root word of “discipline” is “disciple”? In this episode, we will discover how to shift our focus from correcting our kids to discipling our kids, and that in order to do that, we have to be disciples of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Lots of mindset changes and encouragement is coming your way today!
In Greek, “disciple” means “student” or “pupil”, and also “follower”, one who gives himself fully to the teaching of another and makes it a part of his life.
Proverbs 22:6 KJV Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Ephesians 6:4 NLT Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
I Cor. 11:1 NLT Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
Hebrews 12:5-13 NLT And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,
“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t give up when he corrects you.
For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
When we focus on the goal of discipleship, we can trust that the changes in behavior and character will come, because our children’s hearts will be in the right place, which is the best reason for behavioral change!
In our question time, I answer a fun question from Sarah about what some of our favorite all-ages family activities are. Do you need some fun, family ideas? Maybe you’d like to try some of these!
Taking walks around the neighborhood
Games:
Tenzi (toddlers get a smaller amount of dice)
Apples to Apples (5 and up—we took out all the cards that didn’t make sense)
Singing/worship and dancing together
Park time
Watching home videos—movies don’t always hold the little ones’ attention, but they love seeing themselves!