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Avoid the Making of a Criminal.
Author: Marge Conrad
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
Proverbs 17:13
My child asked me why I am so "mean" to her concerning discipline. I am not mean. I do not abuse my child. I discipline as God has commanded. I am a loving parent who does not want to see my child grow up to be a burden to society, a criminal.
If I were to reward her for any disobedience committed, she would quickly return to her folly, expecting me to reward her actions when she commits the same transgression again. Avoiding discipline is the same as rewarding.
When she is grown, she would expect society to do the same. This is how criminals are made. God forbid that I raise such a child.
According to God's word, I must reward the good and punish the evil so that there may be peace in my house, in my community, and in my country.
(c) Marge Conrad Dec2007
| 1. |
comment by ginny on 12/07/2007, 09:11 AM While the world is saying what is evil is good and what is good is evil and the courts are attempting to interfere with parental rights, it is refreshing to read about a parent who loves enough to discipline according to the Word. |
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Discipline vs encouragement by David Jackson on 12/07/2007, 11:06 AM As a Marine Corps Veteran, Father of 2 teenage girls and man of God, I understand the word discipline. I also know that Jesus wants us to encourage each other, especially our children. I think we spend far too much time focusing on when our child does something wrong, than on encouraging them to use their gifts to do right. I have spend a lot of time working with young people who have been institutionalized (jails, treatment centers, etc. Most of them came from homes where they had very strict disciplinary parents, so you are way off base when you think that lack of discipline produces criminals. Yes there is a place for discipline, but God wants us to lift each other up, especially our children. |
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discipline(or lack of) by Gina S. on 12/12/2007, 06:18 PM It is so important to find balance in every area especially when it comes to our children.I have seen children develope into criminal behavior from too much discipline as well as no discipline.Children must learn about boundries,where their parent's boundries begin and end and where their own are as well. Knowing who they are in Christ is the most important because with a healthy self-image it is very difficult to follow the wrong crowd into dangerous behaviors and lifestyles. |
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Parenting by Dawn C. on 12/18/2007, 10:09 AM I am so glad I came upon this article. I am a young mother of 3 very well rounded children (of course I think). It is so comforting seeing so many strong and confident parents reinforce the need for discipline in today's age, and to be reminded to also reinforce the "good" that your child does. It is so much easier said than done. How do you find that balance? Thank goodness for the good book and the 10 commandments. |
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discipline by Sam on 12/18/2007, 01:12 PM Is that all there is to raising a socially productive child? Discipline? What about instruction and modeling? |
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PARENTING by LENORA on 01/01/2008, 05:36 PM I am a believer in descipline but I also realize that with three children at home, each one is different and what works for one will not work for the other so as it is with us as children of God. What may work for me will not work for someone else. Christ is so good at this job until I continually have to ask for direction (as it should be) so that I can do the best job that I can. Christ also sends encouragement our way as we should with our children. It is in our best interest to continue to do our best! |
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AM I Missing Something by james on 01/07/2008, 10:04 AM Is this all there is to the devotion? As a parent, sure discipline is important but how we discipline is even more important. I can spank a child or give him a timeout or take away a privilege when he does something wrong but if I\'m not having a conversation about what\'s going on, I\'m not sure how effective discipline is. In fact, discipline without instruction is destructive. It might create an obedient child but it does so without a sense of respect and honor. And if we want our children to honor us (not just obey us), we\'d better make sure they understand how deep our love for them is. Discipline without love creates resentment. That\'s my $.02. |












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