Thought for the Day

There has been much debate on the subject of corporal punishment. Depending on how it is administered, it can either be either abusive or constructive. Webster's Dictionary defines spank as: "(1) To strike with something flat, as the open hand, especially on the buttocks, as in punishment." We are never to spank our children with uncontrolled anger, or from resentment, and thus, hand out unjust punishment. "Discipline your son while there is hope, but do not (indulge your angry resentments by undue chastisements and) set yourself to his ruin" (Proverbs 19:18, AMP). "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).

Some believe that spanking is child abuse, but the Bible reveals that this is not true. Child abuse is committed by parents who are out of control. These parents need help and correction themselves. Some beat their children in angry rages or hurt them in other ways; some do not take care of their children; some let their children go hungry. These parents need the love of Christ so that the whole family can be healed.

Parents should not fear that spanking will damage a child, although some scream loud enough that it sounds that way. On the contrary, if done properly and for the right reason, it is a kindness, because it teaches a child to respect authority. Really, it is a form of abuse not to spank children when they need correction.

Children should be disciplined by a whack on the buttocks with a small, reed-like rod. This can be a switch from a small tree, or a small wooden spoon. It is not to be a heavy object that could cause physical damage. The purpose of spanking is to bring spiritual correction, not bodily harm. Spanking should be swift, followed by a calm explanation of the wrong that was done. The short-lived pain of discipline prevents the devastating pains - and even death - that rebellion brings. Administering godly discipline keeps a child from becoming a dysfunctional adult, for Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Notice it says train, not teach. Many parents teach their children right from wrong, but fail to train them to obey. They threaten, but because they never follow through with punishment, their children have their own way. Spanking is part of training a child. A disciplined child is a delight to parents, but an undisciplined child brings shame (Proverbs 29:15,17, AMP).