The Essence of Principles

Principles; what are they?  First we should look to Webster’s New World Dictionary and read what it says.  1 “the ultimate source, origin, or cause of something 2 a natural or original tendency, faculty, or endowment  3 a fundamental truth, law, doctrine, or motivating force, upon which others are based [moral principles]  4 a) a rule or conduct, esp. of right conduct b) such rules collectively c) adherence to them; integrity; uprightness [a man of principle]”

Principles don’t just happen.  They take root at a very young age in children of parents or guardians that take the time and effort to teach them.  These impressionable gifts from God need to learn how to honor not only themselves, but others; and to respect authority.  When discipline is implemented, positive results follow.

In (Proverbs 22:6), the Bible instructs us.  “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”  I always thought this scripture was referencing spiritual growth and walking with God, but this morning it occurred to me that it also included the character instilled in a child in their formative years.

We can ignore our responsibility as stewards of these precious lives and become enablers by sparing the rod, thus spoiling the child, or we can take our stand as mature adults, as God had ordained, before it is too late.  The essence of principles is birthed in the woodshed of learning.  (Proverbs 13:24), “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.”

Though it breaks a parent’s heart to administer correction with a belt or paddle, God’s Word teaches that it is imperative to enforce discipline, lest a child not receive the needed mentoring and molding of their will and temperament.  This personal attention shows them how important and loved they are, though they may not realize it at the time.

It seems when acts of parental discipline are imposed, the road of hard knocks is eased, while the essence of principles manifests itself in the disposition and character of the child.

Without follow-through-discipline, toddlers can become unruly and uncontrollable brats.  ‘Follow-through’ is putting action to words, if words are ignored by strong willed youngsters.

When poor manners are allowed to rule, and a rebellious spirit finds a foothold in the formative years of a young life, it becomes harder to assume the voice of authority later.  In many cases it is too late.  The die has been cast.

Disrespect for authority is a direct result of failing to discipline a child when they are testing the waters to see just how far they can go and how much they can get by with.  It is the nature of Adam, because of his disobedience in the beginning of creation.

Before long, temper tantrums become verbal disobedience, which turns into physical displays of anger if control is not obtained at the testing stages of a child’s development.  Chastisement is good.  A bare butt experience goes a long way in teaching a child respect for authority. 

(Hebrews 12:6-8), “For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives.”  v.7 “If ye endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?”  v.8 “If you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers; then you are bastards and not sons.” 

We may not want our Heavenly Father to correct us when we do wrong, but we need it in order to grow spiritually and have strong moral values.  To know God loves us is most important.  Though it hurts at the moment, we realize later the whys of His actions.  The essence of principles is established in the woodshed of God’s love.

It is hard to spank our own flesh and blood, whereas, it’s much easier to say, “They’ll grow out of it.”  The truth of the matter is this; we are doing them an injustice by allowing their misbehavior to escalate into defiance and back talking to those that have rule over them.

Little ones are not the parents.  The responsibility of training themselves to have principles should not be placed on their shoulders.  It won’t get done.  Look at the adolescents running the streets today.  Many are examples of an undisciplined environment where they were raised.

God doesn’t always give us the things we want.  He says, “No!” at times.  If we don’t listen, He is not timid or slack in correcting us with love.  He desires that we grow into children of obedience, rather than bastards; without a Heavenly Father.

The essence of principles requires hard work to bring it to fruition.  It just doesn’t happen.  If we love our children we must curve their personality; not break their spirit, but form them into a vessel of honor; like God does with us.

Written by,

Papa Boyd