Deuteronomy 6
Jesus tells a parable about a pasture land that is given to the sheep that follow Him (John 10:1-18). This peaceful pasture land is given through the gift of eternal life. The sheep represent those the Lord has called by name, loved, and cared for. Jesus said that the sheep know His voice and follow Him (into eternal life) – a stranger they will not follow (John 10:3-5).
Many people want to know how to hear God’s voice. However, the BIGGER desire (or question) must be to KNOW His voice. God speaks to us all (even before believing in Jesus)…and so does the devil (and our own lust). The issue is to recognize God’s voice above all others, so that when He speaks, you know it is the Lord.
Proverbs 13:24 – He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
When it comes to discipline or punishment, many of us believe if ‘you spare the rod, you spoil the child’ (Proverbs 13:24). And many take every opportunity to use the rod without understanding the purpose of discipline. For many people disciplining their children, they react based on emotions. Yes, they want to correct negative behavior, but may do so out of anger (sometimes uncontrolled). However, there’s a few reasons why this approach can be counterproductive:
1. Discipline is a corrective tool. In disciplining our children, our purpose must be to (1) isolate the behavior; (2) address it appropriately; and (3) place our children on the path toward good and godly success. Discipline is not a means for us to take out our anger on our children. If we know our children well, using a rod may not the most effective means to correct their behavior in every situation. Sometimes a short discussion can accomplish the same result.
Listed below are some things you can do to tend the garden of your home:
Know when to speak and when to keep your mouth shut.
Speak encouraging words (Ephesians 4:29).
Be a good listener.
Support the goals and talents of those in your household.
Quick to forgive.
Look for opportunities to impart wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) and gifts from the heart.
Pray for them (intercession).
Spend quality time with each of them, separately and together.
Accept your family member for who they are, not who you want them to be.
Love unconditionally.
Be patient.
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/ellie-yannis. Image covered under Creative Commons License.
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