Commentary: Spare The Rod

Warning! I am speaking my mind in this post and I don't care anymore about what anyone thinks.  

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

What is going on with the children? The other day, I was at church and a child hit a woman in the back of the head with a big toy truck. And I thought good Lord, that woman is kind for not snapping on the mother. But these children are out of control. The same child in question ran around the church unattended disturbing service for over an hour. His mom attempted to get a handle on him a few times. But at some point she give up. To be frank, I use to get pinched by my mother for years as a child. She didn't take no mess and I was too emotional to withstand a whopping (aka spanking). So I was always on my best behavior. Honestly, my mother pinched me until I was 19 years old. I'm still scared of that tiny woman. But she is my best friend and I appreciate the fact that she disciplined me. 

Now I'm not telling people to pull out their belts and go hog wild on their children, pardon the expression. Because child abuse is never okay. But don't be afraid to let your children know who's boss. Your paying the bills... not the children! Don't be afraid to put your house in order. These children will respect you more as their get older if you let them know who's in charge. And I would greatly appreciate it if people put their children in check. During bible study, a little girl was screaming and running through the aisles in church and I started to get a headache. It was difficult to concentrate on the pastor preaching and by the end of service I was over the shenanigans. 

Another example, I was at the mall and I watched a child throw a tantrum because they couldn't get a toy. I watched the mother drag the child down the hall by their coat as they flailed arms, kicked and screamed continuously. It seems like some of these parents are scared of their children. But how can you fear the very child that came from your loins or developed in your womb? It makes no sense. 

According to Proverbs 13: 24 He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly. 

Their is more than one way to express love for your child. My parents use to have me stand in the corner for hours facing the wall while balancing a book on my head for one of my punishments. Sometimes, when I got in trouble I was required to write 5 page essays. Another time, I jogged around the pond for 15 minutes. Let's just say my Mother and Father were incredibly creative and thoughtful when it came to disciplining their children. Because they weren't comfortable with hitting me every time I was in trouble. They wanted to build character as opposed to fear. I am thankful to them everyday for their kindness and strict rules because it made me a better person. Yes, I am a living cliché. 

So I have decided to start praying for these parents because I know they have to be tried of the situation. To be frank, I'm tried of it myself. I feel bad for the teachers because these children are out of control. If you love your children, give them parental guidance at home so they can follow decorum in public settings. As for myself, I will be praying for patience and strength for all the parents with boisterous and rambunctious children. 

Sincerely, Esha