SEPTEMBER 6
MATTHEW 7:2_For with what judgment ye judge…
Ephesians 6:1-4 (KJV), “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” There is night and day difference in the discipline of a child by spanking, and child abuse. To abuse a child verbally and physically and call it discipline shows a lack of judgment. Discipline administered with hot tempered anger causes more damage than it ever will cause good. “4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
Some Christians believe in spanking young children, and others do not. The core is to help children grow up to become responsible and discerning. Placing boundaries, and enforcing them (otherwise they are futile), is the best way to guide little ones. When boundaries are crossed there has to be some type of discipline.
Today’s verse focuses on using wise judgment, because how you judge is how you will be judged. Wise judgment will always be founded upon love. Firmness laced with some calmness administers discipline in a positive way.
Anger and name calling destroy obedience and respect – not wise judgment.
PRAYER
Loving Father, Help me know my judgment will come back to me. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.
Christ teaches wise judgment—He teaches me to obey!
The Works of Her Hands 