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Love = Discipline
Tim Savage6Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, “Why are you doing that?” Adonijah had been born next after Absalom, and he was very handsome. 1 Kings 1
20Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. 1 Chronicles 28
Here are 2 very different parental impressions of King David. On one hand he never disciplines Adonijah, not even a little. On the other hand, he supports, encourages and guides Solomon. Two very different relationships and two very different outcomes. I’m struck most by the result of the lack of discipline. Adonijah felt entitled, greedy and selfish. He tried to take what he wanted, even though it went against his father’s wishes. It seems like a lack of discipline can be an extension of a lack of love. Our Heavenly Father disciplines those that He loves. So, we can’t view discipline as a negative. Discipline is rarely fun, but it’s not necessarily a negative. And that goes both ways – those who give discipline and those that receive it.
I must continue to discipline myself and my children, so they will grow in the ways of the Lord. I must not take the easy way out and avoid confrontation for the sake of convenience or peace. I have to make a concerted effort to have the energy to discipline when necessary. I can’t come home from work so exhausted that I can’t help be a parent. I think David was too busy to be a father. He put the priorities of leading the country over that of leading his family. The Bible shows us the horrendous consequences that came of that. There are a few things that only I can do and being a husband to my wife and a father to my kids are among those. If I truly love my children I will discipline them.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for this lesson in discipline. I ask for the strength and courage to be a good father to my children, raising them up in the Word so that they never stray from You.
In Jesus name,
Amen
