Know Your Bible
VOL. 13 February 7, 2016 NO. 47
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DISCIPLINE IN THE HOME
Children do not have the ability at birth to understand the language of their parents. We all realize this, but we should also understand that these little people do not know the commonly accepted rules of etiquette, nor do they recognize property rights. Each child seems to assume that anything he finds and likes belongs to him. Only gradually does he learn that some things are his and that other things are the property of others. The innocent child does not, of course, have any sense of discernment between what is morally right and what is wrong. Because of parental failure to guide or train the children many young people never come to have a definite code of morals or sensitive consciences to guide them in the way of righteousness.
While many are not trained to discern between good and evil, they could have been trained. They are as capable of developing faith, godliness, and spiritual wisdom as they are of developing physical skills and language skills from people about them. Some parents take an interest in helping their children to develop the ability to earn a living but not much concern to teach them how to live. There are many who are skilled in athletics, music, and in various aspects of business that are as ignorant of spiritual values as the brute beast from the jungle (2 Pet. 2:12, KJV). That which is most important is lacking.
Parents must have the respect of their children or they cannot convey the value of their own knowledge and experience to them. Love, instruction, personal attention, and the proper example from parents can go a long way toward obtaining this respect. To make their word authoritative, the chastening rod is recommended by the word of God. This is not physical or mental abuse, but it is not always pleasant to the one who is disciplined or to the one who is administering it. Even the Lord chastens those He loves.
"My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable f' lit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby" (Heb. 12:5-11).
We may not be able to identify the occasions when the loving heavenly Father is chastening us. Our complaining bitter attitude toward things that are beyond our control will not help. Fortunate children whose fathers love them enough to use the rod at the proper time and in the proper way grow up with special respect for their parents. Those undisciplined children cannot be pleased. No undisciplined child is ever a happy child. He is not self disciplined nor is he pleasant and cooperative in disposition. Is this not true of the unrestrained children you know? Love suggests the use of the rod, but not to the unreasonable point of abuse (Prov. 13:24; Col. 3:20, 21). There is the very useful form of discipline that yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness (Eph. 6:4; Prov. 13:24).
The punishment the child receives from his parents should be adequate to bring his will into subjection. Impulsively hitting the child may only aggravate the rebellious attitude. Conquer the rebel and be consistent, and there will not need to be a constant running battle. A good man should have his children in subjection with all gravity (1 Tim. 3:4, 5). There is some "know how" involved in proper discipline. Children are small for a few years so all parents should develop a skill in the use of effective discipline. Obedience is one of the greatest lessons to be taught, and here is where discipline in the home comes into its place of very great importance. An adult can buffet his own body and bring it into subjection, but a child lacks the depth of understanding to discipline himself, so his parents provide wise and effective discipline until he is trained and mature enough to see the need to control his own fleshly nature.
—Irven Lee
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RATE YOURSELF
1. I don’t want to be so CRITICAL that I see a person's weak points before I do their good points.
2. I do not want to be so CHILDISH that everyone has to handle me with caution to keep me from getting upset.
3. I don't want to be so involved with SELF that I am not considerate of others.
4. I don't want to be so SENSITIVE that I can make myself miserable by taking in a personal way everything that is said by others.
5. I want to be sure that I MAKE EVERY EFFORT to correct any hurt that I have inflicted on another.
6. I don't want to REPEAT that which should be kept secret and then explain myself saying, "But it's the truth."
7. I want to be completely TRUSTWORTHY and merit the confidence of those with whom I associate.
8. I want to FOLLOW the things that make for peace and avoid the things that bring about strife.
If this list fits you, thank God and "keep on keeping on". If not, why not resolve to make whatever changes that need to be made?
—Adapted from Bulletin Digest
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT SERVICES
- At Wednesday night services, the Bible is taught, the word of God Almighty.
- Wednesday night services increase our faith as we better understand and appreciate the unsearchable riches of God.
- Wednesday night services are a midweek respite from life in a sinful world, a recharge of our spiritual batteries.
- Wednesday night services help prepare us to meet life's challenges.
- Wednesday night services help build stronger character.
- Wednesday night services provide an opportunity to associate with brethren and encourage each other.
- Wednesday night services provide an opportunity to bring others with you to hear the gospel of Christ.
- Wednesday night services enable us to join our hearts in prayer and praising God in song.
- Wednesday night services may be the time when you hear some truth that will change your life forever.
If you don't attend Wednesday night services…
- What do you do with that time?
- How does that activity compare to these blessings?
- Which activity will better help you go to heaven?
- Which is a better use of your time?
—Whit Sasser
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Know Your Bible" is e-mailed weekly by the church of Christ which meets at 112 Roberts Avenue in Wise, Virginia. If you know of others who might benefit from the articles contained in this bulletin, we would be glad to have you submit their e-mail addresses and we will include them in next week's mailing. If you are receiving this bulletin and do not wish to continue to do so, please e-mail us with your desire to be removed from the mailing list and we will remove your address promptly. Continue to the bottom of this page and further instructions will be given as to how you may contact us.
--- E.R. Hall, Jr.
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