Great post! (Can you believe we actually agree?) :>)
Children often deserve an explanation - that's how they learn - but I guess it's easier for some to just beat the child into submission because they can. I do expect my children to obey me - but I also want them to learn from their discipline!
On a related note - the Word does not say that every time a child disobeys he must be spanked. Nor does it say that every time a person commits an offense he must be disciplined in the manner commonly found in the Word - didn't Christ let the prostitute live? The law (Word) at the time said she should die - He chose instead to teach her and the others.
Might have made a good teachable moment if the child had walked around barefoot and ended up with cuts on his feet.
BTW Duane, did you say whether or not he put the wet shoes on?
Michael
In a message dated 10/1/2001 4:09:26 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Isn't it interesting that yet again most posts open ignore the very essence
of a post.
Duane was talking about the issue of an adult striking of whom he was not
guardian or parent. In many countries this is illegal. This is against the
discipline policy of most (if not all) Ranger groups I know of. It just is
stupid behaviour. It is asking for intervention from governemnt. It is foolish.
Even though I know it will open the flood gates of misguided bigotry I
can't help myself asking the question - what is wrong with telling a child
why you want him to do something.
I certainly know that God didn't bless me with five slaves - but children
to bring up in the way of the Lord. The Jewish tradition (that Jesus was
brought up in) is based on questions and answers. A child asks "Why..." and
the parent or Rabbi explains. This is how knowledge and understanding and
wisdom and plain old "how to live right" is passed on from one generation
to another.
"Do it now" doesn't teach anything except fear.
If you can't offer an explanation for why you want something done - then
why ask for it to be done - just to prove you can????
There are times when it necessary to give an instruction that needs to be
delivered in a tone and manner that receives an immediate reaponse like
"get back" when a child is in immediate danger. It is in your manner or
delivery that such an instruction will be obeyed automatically. It is on
the basis of the relationship you have developed that all you instructions
will be followed. Remember - respect a better motivation than fear. We are
told to fear the Lord - not our parents or leaders.
Victor.
