Dr. Mark Rutland in the book, Hanging By A Thread states, “The motivation for dishonesty is the animal instinct for self-preservation. The flesh says, If I want it, I’ll steal it. If I am not, I’ll pretend to be. If I am, I’ll pretend not to be. If I want to sell it, I will not tell everything. What can possibly shatter the spell of so inborn an instinct? Proverbs 22:4 says, ‘By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.’ Babies are not born with the fear of God. They are born with the instincts of wolf cubs. Parents, governments, schools and institutions are to instill the fear of God. If they fail, the child grows more lupine every day…Wolves have no concern for virtue. They care nothing for truth. Raw meat is enough for them. They never seek to break the horrible bondage of instinct and liberate the spirit. Wolves live by instinct” (pg 302).
Dr. Sam Drye in his College Syllabus titled PT341: Crucified Life writes, “During the fifties a great fear of communism began to permeate the West-especially the United States. Out of this era arose psychology for raising children that would supposedly bring out in them the character that would vigorously resist tyranny. The philosophy glorified self-will and self-assertion. Psychologists, contrary to the wisdom of the scriptures, encouraged the restraint of parental discipline. They believed that discipline would hinder the free expression and independent development of the child’s character. This generation that was projected to be uncompromising in their ideals actually became the student rebels, communists, and anarchists of the late sixties! They became the very enemies their parents were trying to bring them up to resist! The parents of this generation reaped only hatred and contempt. Why? Again the law of flesh and spirit explains: ‘If you feed the flesh you can only reap flesh and corruption.’ (Gal. 6:8) Only by sowing to the Spirit can that which is Spirit be reaped. To feed self-will is to feed self-centeredness, and the self-centered are not capable of noble thought or deed. These will actually be the most easily subverted by tyranny. Having the guidelines of authority eroded within themselves, they will seek security in that which is the most authoritarian. Any authority that appears weak or indecisive will be despised and attacked” (pg 39).
Dr. Sam Drye in the book, Crucified Life teaches, “The world’s way is actualization of self (‘me-ism’). God’s way is denial of self, inherent in the life of Jesus, and summed up in one word: love. Either the God of humanism will operate in our lives, or we’ll die to self and be alive to Christ. Modern psychology has taught that self actualization is the ultimate reality, so people are constantly seeking to elevate themselves and find out who they are. Much of that psychology has spilled over into church counseling. There’s nothing wrong with counseling in itself, but when we adopt so much of the psychology of the world and the humanistic tendencies of teachings and bring them into the church, then we’re actually supporting the modern belief of trying to minister to the self rather than getting a person to deny himself” (pg 103).
Dr. James Dobson in Discipline While You Can writes, “Adult leadership is rarely accepted unchallenged by the next generation: it must be ‘tested’ and found worthy of allegiance by the youngsters who are asked to yield and submit to its direction. But why are children so pugnacious? Everyone knows that they are lovers of justice and law and order and secure boundaries. The writer of the book of Hebrews in the Bible even said that an undisciplined child feels like an illegitimate son or daughter, not even belonging to his family. Why, then, can’t parents resolve all conflicts by the use of quiet discussions and explanations and gentle pats on the head? The answer is found in this curious value system of children which respects strength and courage (when combined with love). What better explanation can be given for the popularity of the mythical Superman and Captain Marvel and Wonder Woman in the folk lore of children? Why else do children proclaim, ‘My dad can beat up your dad!’ (One child replied to that statement, ‘That’s nothing, my mom can beat up my dad too!’) You see, boys and girls care about the issue of ‘who’s toughest’. This respect for strength and courage also makes children want to know how ‘tough’ their leaders are. They will occasionally disobey parental instructions for the precise purpose of testing the determination of those in charge. Thus, whether you are a parent or grandparent or Boy Scout Leader or bus driver…or a school teacher I can guarantee that sooner or later, one of the children under your authority will clench his little fist and challenge your leadership…The defiant game, called Challenge the Chief, can be played with surprising skill by very young children…Perhaps this tendency towards self-will is the essence of ‘original sin’ which has infiltrated the human family. It certainly explains why I place such stress on the proper response to willful defiance during childhood, for that rebellion can plant the seeds of personal disaster…When a parent refuses to accept his child’s defiant challenge, something changes in their relationship. The youngster begins to look at his mother and father with disrespect; they are unworthy of his allegiance…The ultimate paradox of childhood is that boys and girls want to be led by their parents, but insist that their mother and father earn the right to lead them… Once a child understands what is expected, he should then be held accountable for behaving accordingly. That sounds easy…but…most children will assault the authority of their elders and challenge their right to lead. In a moment of rebellion, a little child will consider his parents wishes and defiantly choose to disobey. Like a military general before a battle, he will calculate the potential risks, marshal his forces and attack the enemy guns blazing. When that nose-to-nose confrontation occurs between generations, it is extremely important for the adult to win decisively and confidently. The child has made it clear that he’s looking for a fight, and his parents would be wise not to disappoint him! Nothing is more destructive to parental leadership than for a mother or father to disintegrate during that struggle. When the parent consistently loses those battles, resorting to tears and screaming and other evidence of frustration, some dramatic changes take place in the way they are ‘seen’ by their children. Instead of being secure and confident leaders, they become spineless jellyfish who are unworthy of respect or allegiance… To Spank or Not to Spank… More foolishness has been written on this subject than all other aspects of child rearing combined… ‘Spanking is the first half-inch on the yardstick of violence. It is followed by hitting and ultimately by rape, murder, and assassination…’ To Dr. Valusek and his permissive colleagues I can only say, ‘Poppycock!’ How ridiculous to blame America’s obsession with violence on the disciplinary efforts by loving parents! This conclusion is especially foolish in view of the bloody fare offered to our children on television each day…The second rationale against corporal punishment can also be found in Dr. Valusek’s concluding sentence, ‘I will resort to violence (spankings) when I don’t know what else to do.’ Do you see the subtlety of this quotation? It characterizes a spanking as an absolute last resort-as the final act of exasperation and frustration… As such, it comes on the heels of screaming, threatening, hand-wringing, and buckets of tears. Even those authorities who recommend corporal punishment often fall into this trap, suggesting that it be applied only when all else has failed. I COULDN’T DISAGREE MORE STRONGLY. A SPANKING IS TO BE RESERVED FOR USE IN RESPONSE TO WILFUL DEFIANCE, WHENEVER IT OCCURS. FULL STOP! It is much more effective to apply it early in the conflict, while the parent’s emotional apparatus is still under control, than ninety minutes of scratching and clawing…The third common argument against spanking comes from the findings of animal psychology. If a mouse is running in a maze, he will learn much faster if the experimenter rewards his correct turns with food than he will if his incorrect choices are punished with a mild shock. From this and similar studies has come the incredible assumption that punishment has little influence on human behaviour. But human beings are not mice, and it is naïve to equate them simplistically. Obviously, a child is capable of rebellious and defiant attitudes which have no relevance to a puzzled mouse sitting at a crossroads in a maze. I agree that it would not help a boy or girl learn to read by shocking them for each mispronounced word. On the other hand, deliberate disobedience involves the child’s perception of parental authority and his obligations to accept it (whereas the mouse does not even know the experimenter exists). If punishment doesn’t influence human behaviour, then why is the issuing of speeding fines by the courts so effective in controlling traffic on a busy street? If punishment has no power, then why does a well-deserved spanking often turn a sullen little troublemaker into a sweet and loving angle?…The fourth argument against the judicious practice of spanking comes from those who see it as damaging to the dignity and self-worth of the child…a child is fully capable of discerning whether his parent is conveying love or hatred. This is why the youngster who knows he deserves a spanking appears almost relieved when it finally comes. Rather than being insulted by the discipline, he understands its purpose and appreciates the control it gives him over his own impulses” (selected passages pg 15-18, 31-37).
The word ‘rod’ is used 80 times in the OT. The usage breaks down as follows by the Strong’s number. The times of occurrence are in parentheses: 4294 (42) 7626 (34) 2415 (2) 4713 (2)
The following scriptures, which include the ones regarding correction of children or fools, are from the Hebrew word shebet (shay–bet); Strong’s number 7626. The Strong’s definition includes the following: literally a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or figuratively a clan – correction, dart, rod, scepter, staff, tribe.
[2 Sam 7:14] I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:
[Psa 89:32] Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.
[Prov 10:13] In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
[Prov 13:24] He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
[Prov 22:15] Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
[Prov 23:13] Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
[Prov 23:14] Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
[Prov 26:3] A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
[Prov 29:15] The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
[Isa 10:24] Therefore thus saith the Lord God of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt.
[Micah 5:1] Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.
The NT counterpart is Strong’s number 4464 rhabdos. The Strong’s definition includes the following: from the base of 4474: a stick or wand (as a cudgel, a cane or baton) – rod, scepter, staff.
The Greek base # 4474, rhapizo, is defined as: to slap: - smite (with the palm of the hand) compare to 5180.
Strong’s # 5180 is tupto, meaning to “thump”, i.e. cudgel or pummel by repeated blows. By implication to punish.
Figuratively to offend (the conscience): - beat, smite, strike, wound.
Dads and Moms, we are living in a generation where society has twisted the meaning of ethics and virtues. We are living in a world where mankind is quickly becoming a beast by living according to humanistic values and beliefs.
People are born a trichotomy (1 Thess 5:23). We are body, soul and spirit. Mankind is spirit-soul living inside a body. The soul consists of one’s mind, will and emotions.When a person becomes born again by accepting the Lordship of Jesus then the spirit becomes alive to God as the Holy Spirit quickens and indwells their spirit (John 3:18). Our soul (mind, emotions, and will) and our body are not born again, thus the need for training our attitudes, desires and emotions by transforming our minds with the Word of God (Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Romans 12:2; John 17:17 etc.).
Babies are born with the old nature. They live totally according to their flesh, consequently, they need to be raised, trained, corrected and disciplined. Please read the differences between living according to the new nature versus the flesh in Galatians 5:16-25.
Proverbs 9:10 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Yes, love springs out of fear according to Scripture, whereas, a lack of fear produces rebellion and witchcraft. True fear breeds repect, whereas, no fear breeds disobedience and contempt (Proverbs 1:7, 29).
Babies and children need to be disciplined so they do not become beasts. Their will and emotions need to be guided and curtailed by correction. They cannot love first then obey because their spirit is not born again, consequently, they live according to their flesh. They are innately selfish and must be forced to obey lest they destroy themselves.
An adult becomes a mature Christian as he fears the Lord and grows in His ways through God’s chastening. Fearlessness breeds a fool who God will judge, but fear produces wisdom and the fruits of the Holy Spirit instead of the flesh. You fool yourself if you think your baby obeys you because they love you with agape love. They love themselves and you supply them with their fleshly wishes and wants, and give into their selfish will. When you fail they throw a tantrum until you give them their way. Dad and Mom, either you are the boss leading them or they are the boss leading you.
Dr. Dobson answers, “Specifically, how does one discipline a ‘naughty’ 2-3 year old? One possible approach is to require the boy or girl to sit in a chair and think about what he has done [ten minutes]. But what if he won’t stay in the chair [or stay in bed at night after being tucked in]. These are examples of direct confrontations...The parent who cannot require a toddler to stay on a chair or or in his bed is not yet in command of the child. There is no better time than now to change the relationship. I would suggest that the youngster be placed in bed and given a little speech, such as, ‘Johnny, this time Mummy means business. Are you listening to me?’ Then when Johnny’s feet touch the floor, give him one swat on the legs with a small cane. Put the cane on his dresser where he can see it, and promise him one more stroke if he gets up again. Walk confidently out of the room without further comment. If he rebounds again, fulfill your promise... Repeat the episode until Johnny acknowledges that you are the boss” (pg 51-52). over...
I hope all of you are enjoying these articles. Some of you did not receive my last article in the Churches of Revelation series titled: I Am Grieved: Laodicea. Due to financial support, I have been forced to reduce the number of newsletters that I mail. I am only able to send articles twice per month to supporters; those people who have given a love offering, ordered a cassette, CD or video to enable us to get the gospel to you and around the world. This message, Is Spanking Divine Inspired Counsel, begins a four-part series. As you know, the message is critical to raising healthy, God fearing adults who can be successful in life. If you want to receive the next three articles in this series, please send us a love offering to help us cover the necessary expenses required to produce and make them available to minister to you, to others and to the nations. Again, if you have never helped us reach the nations with a financial gift, please send in an offering right away or you will not receive the next article in this four part series. We greatly thank those that have been supporting us, and especially those who send us a monthly love offering. Without you we would not exist.
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