The Ongoing Challenge
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.
Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace. Hebrews 12:11
[The role /of discipline /in the relationship /between parents and their kids] is drawn /directly /from God’s holy Word. Ephesians 6 commands children [to “obey your parents in the Lord], for this is right” (v. 1) and directs fathers [to “bring children up with Christian teaching in Christian discipline] (v. 4, Phillips).
As a believer //who trusts the Lord completely, I understand the significance of discipline. Yet as a mother, I also know that it’s the continuing battle [to apply proper discipline at home //that so often leaves parents [feeling like a failure]. If you are one of these discouraged moms and dads, I urge you [to take heart]—you’re probably doing a much better job /than you think! [Loving discipline] will begin [to promote an atmosphere of affection and respect] if you are consistent 일관적and persistent지속적.
* consistent; (of a person, behavior, or process) unchanging in achievement or effect over a period of time.
persistent; continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
I remember the first time () my daughter challenged me. I was waxing the kitchen floor when Danae, then nine months old, crawled /to the edge of the linoleum. I said “no” and gestured for her to stay put. She ignored me and crawled right into the sticky wax. I picked her up, set her down /in the hallway, and said “no” again, this time more strongly. We repeated this scene /seven times /before Danae finally realized that Mom wasn’t backing down; she crawled away /in tears. Believe me, it wasn’t the last time Danae would test her mother! Yet it did send her an early and important message: No matter how determined Danae was /to get her way, I would be the one /to make the rules and guide her with firmness and persistence.
It’s not easy, but it is worth it. Do your best, seek always [to discipline “in the Lord,”]
and one day you’ll see [what I mean].
- Shirley M Dobson