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Remember, children will imitate everything you do, and in addition, they will do the
opposite because they are little testers.
Soldier, remember, no one can completely see his or her own children. That is why
the Lord has often appointed single women like Amy Carmichael and some of the
Child Evengelism workers to write the most inspired things about the raising of our
Christian children.
Let me tell you several things that are a mark of our Christian society:
Children are usually called two or three times before they respond.
If there is a "spanking, it is a swat through clothing.
Children are allowed to say things that open little doors for the enemy, and are not
corrected.
Christian children are allowed to attend parties and see movies just because their
friends ask them to go.
A pouty look is not considered to be serious.
Oh, Soldier, if you have children under ten, please listen to me: A spanking means
taking the child in the bathroom and striking the bare bottom so that it hurts badly. If
possible, have the child across your knees. Also, use a wooden spoon. It is always
better to avoid using your hand.
Once or twice in a child's life, a hard slap across the face is not bad as long as it is
not a reaction to your own offense. Many a missionary has written about a father who
issued such a strike upon the first use of cursing or harsh words against the mother.
A child must have a price to pay when he does not respond the first time his name
is called. I heard a woman say recently that little ones do not hear well and that is the
reason they do not respond.
Baloney!
That little one hears just fine and must be trained to respond. If you continue to call
more than once before the child responds, you are a passive parent and the enemy
will have room with your child he would not have if you were to be consistent and
address the issue in a godly manner.
The look on the face must be addressed. Children do not know about this, but
learn as they are disciplined in this way. Is there a snotty or frowny look when
correction comes? Oh Christian parent! Please, please listen to me. No longer is
the subject of correction the primary issue. Now, the child must be made to
understand he may not resist correction.
Is there a chance you think it is cute? It is not. It is wicked, and although he may
be two or three or four, when he is sixteen, it will be the same if you do not address it
now, and both you and he will be hurt. Moreover, those things are little doors that give
demons permission to influence .
The greatest offense should be that of the tongue. If your child has not had a
bare-bottom spanking, he must have one the the second time he says "no"
to you. We assume the first time, you have grabbed his arm firmly and said "you may
not say 'no' to daddy or mommy' ."
When it happens the second time, and it usually will, you will give your child an
open door to all that is good if you will issue the ultimate consequence immediately.
It is far more severe than stealing or other areas of disobedience.
Soldier, please pray about these things and take them as from the Lord. Our
children have our hearts in their hands and they must have our discipline as response
to the Lord, rather than our anger.
If you are angry, you must still do the right thing. Do not withhold the correct action
simply because you are angry. It is not possible to raise children without being angry.
Children are particularly skilled in the area if making you feel angry and helpless.
But they are given to us as charges, and we must be obedient to the One who hung
the stars, and "He knoweth we are dust. . ."
Soldier, just do the next thing. It is the thing your children need the most.
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