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I had to "correct" my 13 year old son last night. He is me all over again & his flesh has a way of igniting mine. I understand him all too well for he bears the "sins of his father". I know that sarcasim & anger shut his spirit up tight. When that happens, no amount of discipline is effective. I am almost at a loss as to what to do. I say 'almost' because the answer grates against my flesh. I need to talk to him. It is just so much easier to yell & impart a consequence. I guess I'm a lazy Dad at times. Even as a Pastor, I have had to discipline errant church members. My fellow elders have admonished me for my "bluntness" that can come across as harsh. I have the gift of prophecy (forth telling not fortelling) & prophets aren't warm fuzzy people. I know that can be used as an excuse. I sent my son to work with his older brother & a church elder today. Good physical work never hurts & often helps prepare the heart of a young man. Tonight we will "talk" man to man. I will show him the scripture that warns of his offense & try to cast a vision of why this behavior must be ammended through the power of the Holy Spirit in the path of repentance. I need to use the golden rule. Treating him like I would want to be treated if I were in his shoes (and I have been, many times). Anger has been a family curse for us. My paternal family is well known for short fuses & voilent behavior. May this curse die in me & not be passed down to my children & thier children. I believe that all it takes is one man who will submit to the Lordship of Christ & live in the flow of the ungrieved Holy Spirit to break a generational curse. My Father was the first in his family to be justified by faith alone in Christ. He began a new chapter for us - one where Jesus was now Savior. My chapter must be one where Jesus is Lord. My children will live out chapter three where Jesus is Life. |
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