Delight | Disciple | Discipline (Daily Encouragement)
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6
We have been learning what the book of Proverbs says about family – which is a huge topic that impacts all of us. Last week on the daily encouragements we dove into aspects of marriage. This week we will look closer at parenting. As a church family, we ALL have a role and the privilege of investing in children. This quote by Ray Ortlund is a great reminder of the significance of our investment in children:
There is more at stake for your child than getting into the best schools and the best sports and the best jobs. Your child has an eternal destiny. God has called you to train up your child to go to Heaven. That is ultimately “the way he should go.” How do you help your child get there?
The framework of delight, disciple and discipline (from pastor Ted Sinn) is a really helpful avenue to “help your child get there”. Each is a separate part of a “pyramid” that builds on itself from the bottom up.
Delight – This is the foundation, the largest and the most important aspect of parenting. It has to do with love, acceptance, enjoyment and affection toward your children: The LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a Father the son whom he delights – Pr 3:12
Disciple – This is the second layer of the pyramid – it has to do with giving direction, training, and instruction. When your child knows you love and delight in them, they are more willing to trust and listen to your direction: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice and equity….let the wise hear and increase in learning – Pr 1:2-5
Discipline – This is the last and smallest part of the pyramid – it has to do with correction, pain and discomfort. The scriptures say we are all born “with folly in our heart” (just watch any child). It is loving to bring correction and allow discomfort when a child does things that bring harm to themselves and others. Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be willing party to their death – Pr 19:18
This framework is more beautiful because it points us to the gospel. It reminds us of OUR FATHER in heaven who first and foremost loves and delights in us, who teaches and disciples us through his Holy Spirit and who loves us as sons/daughters enough to discipline us to draw us back to himself.
Over the next few days, we will dive into each of these categories to give some practical steps into what it looks like to delight, disciple and discipline our children.
Each of us will tend to be strong in one of these areas, ok in another and weak in the third – which is which for you?