“THE WAY HE WOULD GO”
One of the most damaging consequences of humanistic psychology in our culture
today is its inroad made in training children. First, they say the human is no
different than an animal. Yet, man is a rational, moral creature, endowed with
the image of God. Animals possess none of these.
Secondly, they tell us that to spank our child will harm, not help them. Twice
this week I spoke with people I had never met before. Both of them were older
and liked to talk, so I listened. Both were very concerned about America. Both
believed the primary reason America is in trouble is coming from the poor
training of our children. Both spoke unsolicited about their firm belief in
training with the rod or willow stick. To me, these men are wise because they
agree with Solomon, who wrote the book of Proverbs. One of the major themes of
Proverbs is training your child. The rod is the only form of discipline
mentioned, so it is not the last resort and certainly not to be excluded. Many
today are against spankings, because child abuse is increasing. Spanking
properly is not abuse, but training. Others spare the rod because they love
their child, seemingly unaware that the rod applied correctly, when needed, is
love (Hebrews 12:6-7 & Proverbs 13:24).
Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to train them in the way they “should” go. One is
training on the pathway to Heaven and the other is the slippery slide to ruin.
Inherent in training is the shaping of character. Such training can begin too
late, but never too early. Such training is not the job of the school and its
“value clarification” programs. God instructs the parents, and only the parents,
to shape the child’s character. The school should support the parents’
instruction, but this is too often not true. Just as both Mother and Father must
work together in training their child, so must the school, the grandparents, and
all who share in this responsibility be as one. A divided message produces an
irritated, confused and rebellious child. Training must be positive to balance
the negative. Some encourage their children to develop character by naming them
godly names. Everyone likes to hear their name spoken. A meaningful name will
inspire the child to be like the meaning of their name or Bible character who
had it before them. Others help develop character by videos that teach, in a
cute way, the characteristics that please the Lord. Today in our culture the
necessity of parents shaping character is greater than ever before. Children
rarely say “Please”, “Excuse me”, “Forgive me”, and “I’m sorry”. Things like
being on time, respecting older people or those in places of authority are
quickly leaving the land. Honesty, dependability, loyalty, self-control,
sensitivity, attentiveness, neatness, gratefulness, obedience, truthfulness,
patience, thriftiness, responsibility, availability, contentment, flexibility,
hospitality and humility all are making a speedy exit from America. Because the
child is encouraged to be left to the way he “would” go, which is a slippery
slide into ruin. Parents must be responsible and train their children in the way
they “should” go.