Discipline, duty, spirit growth, and parenting are topics, today. Christian parents are wise to correctly teach their children the meaning of accountability, accepting discipline, interdependence, and mutual obligation. Often, the living must rely upon discipline and “staying the course” for survival during crises, emergencies, and extreme conditions, rather than upon courage, emotion, opinions, and sentiment. It is discipline that allows us to embrace new experiences, and to face the future as if we have no fear or uncertainty. Only by discipline do we continue to function effectively in spite of disappointments, errors, personal losses, the unexpected, and tragedies. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:
My parents grounded me for refusing to read scriptures with them and say a prayer with them at bedtime. Isn’t that ridiculous?
My parents said that I’m being rebellious and letting Satan into my life. That’s not it…I just wasn’t in the mood to read and pray. I had a bad day and wanted to go to sleep. After my parents told me that I was going to be grounded for refusing I told them that I would do what they wanted, but it was already too late. I read scriptures and prayed with them, but I still got grounded. I don’t think it’s fair for me to be in trouble over something like this.
Update: I’m 13 and its summer break. I don’t want to be grounded. I’m going to try to do what my parents want so that they will end it.
Update 2: Oleg: I don’t care if you believe me or not.
Update 3: Thanks for the answers everyone. I need to get off the computer now. My parents will be mad if they see that I’m on the computer and not in bed. I’m not supposed to be on the computer right now. 😦
Update 4: A few of these answers are a little ridiculous…
THE GOLDEN ARROW: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21: 7-8, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Pray For Victims? (06/14/2016); Called Slaves by GOD? (02/10/2016); Divine Discipline? (12/24/2015); Growing Up Again? (12/09/2015); Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015); Understanding Spiritual Growth? (03/13/2015); The Benefit of Law? (11/15/2013); Are Holidays Bad? (11/16/2013)
“Anonymous”, mature Christian believers understand that the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross has also been a divine demonstration of the discipline mankind must achieve to fulfill the possibilities of eternal life. Most minor children and many parents do not properly understand that “discipline” means practice, preparation, self-control, and training—rather than “punishment”, “reprimand” or “scolding”. Obedience is demonstrated through discipline; and is one of the highest expressions of love seen in the wedding vows because, “to obey” is to put asides ones own desires and to perform the will of another. More than by commitment, or on the basis of what one likes and prefers, success in carrying out adult responsibilities that include sexual purity and restraint, marriage, family life, military service, and various vocations results from having discipline, endurance, and the will to persevere. It is not unreasonable that parents expect their children to be capable of demanding from themselves efforts and responses that contribute to the well-being of their shared home, its honor, quality, and value. However, parents often do so expressing their own feelings, rather than correctly acknowledging the faithfulness and maturity and of their child. Consider again how some of this is stated in language from the Scriptures:
(1.) Proverbs 22: 4-6, King James Version (KJV): 4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. 6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
(2.) Proverbs 9: 6-10, KJV: 6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. 7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. 8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
(3.) Hebrews 5: 5-10, KJV: 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
There is far more that should be carefully said, thoughtfully examined, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4.) Hebrews 12: 3-8, KJV: 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.) Even so, I am sure this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD 