Train Them Up: Love Corrects

One thing I have noticed is that we live in a time where many people reject discipline altogether. Some say, “I’m not putting my hands on my children,” and while no parent should abuse or mistreat their children, discipline does not always mean physical punishment. Discipline can look like consequences, time-outs, removing privileges, limiting screen time, extra responsibilities, or simply enforcing boundaries that teach children right from wrong.

Children need discipline. They need direction. They need guidance.

If adults need correction, then children certainly need correction. We cannot allow children to grow up doing whatever they want, whenever they want, with no accountability. Just as the Lord lovingly corrects us, we are called to lovingly train and correct our children.

The Bible says:

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6

I served in the Army on active duty for ten and a half years. From the moment I entered basic training, I was taught how to walk, talk, and conduct myself as a Soldier in the U.S. Army. As a young adult, I learned accountability, discipline, stability, and what it meant to faithfully serve.

I share this as an example of the importance of proper training.

Imagine if we first took the time to get ourselves in order according to the teachings and commands Jesus laid down, while at the same time teaching, leading, and raising our children in the Word of God. Not just teaching them how to attend church or memorize Scripture, but showing them how to live it.

We are called to train them to become mighty and strong soldiers in the Army of the Lord, firm in their faith, grounded in truth, and equipped to stand in a world that desperately needs Jesus.

Training requires consistency. It requires teaching. It requires correcting wrong behavior and reinforcing what is right. When a child continually displays behavior that you have taught them is wrong, there must be consequences. Otherwise, we are teaching them that boundaries do not matter and that disobedience carries no cost.

The goal of discipline is not punishment for punishment’s sake. The goal is instruction.

Hebrews 12:11 reminds us:

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

As parents, we are not called merely to raise children who obey us while they are under our roof. We are called to raise men and women who know how to receive correction, exercise self-control, respect authority, and ultimately submit themselves to the Lord.

The same God who disciplines His children in love calls us to do the same.

“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent His rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in.” — Proverbs 3:11

—The Surrendered Walk🤍