Being a dad feels a lot like setting sail on a sea that changes its mind as often as a toddler changes outfits – serenity one minute, pandemonium the next. Regardless of how much we try to keep a steady hand on the wheel, we’re bound to hit those waves of wrong turns, whether they’re ours or our kids’. It’s a humbling trip, sprinkled with our fair share of blunders and those “what now?” moments.
One of the tough parts about being a dad is watching our kids go through the school of hard knocks on their own. You know those times they mess up? Yeah, those. You’re sitting there thinking, “Alright, now what?” No handbook or dad jokes can fully equip us for these times. Yet, if we view their slip-ups through a gospel lens, it helps us steer through those stormy seas.
When it comes to discipline, it’s not really about perfection or laying down the law; it’s about echoing God’s mix of love, fairness, and kindness. Instead of merely correcting wrongs, we should embrace the opportunity to mentor them, guiding them patiently and compassionately. Encouraging our kids to try new things, even at the risk of failure, can foster a mindset where they see every mistake as a valuable lesson. By praising failure as an essential step on the path to learning, we allow them to develop resilience and courage, understanding that missteps are not dead ends but rather chances to grow. The goal is guiding our kids toward living like Christ – helping them learn and grow, buoyed by the grace that God freely gives us all. As they navigate their journeys, we can instill in them the confidence to explore boldly, knowing that errors are simply stepping stones on the road to becoming more like Him.
You see, discipline’s roots lie in the Latin “discipulus,” which means “pupil” or “learner.” As dads, our job is to be their guides – to show them the ropes and lead them to Christ. Just handing out punishments won’t cut it. If we only see their errors, we miss guiding them toward becoming better versions of themselves.
Discipline’s about coaching them for a righteous life (2 Timothy 3:16), helping them grasp what went wrong, why it matters, and how it affects their walk with God. It’s admitting they goofed while also steering them toward what to do next time. Good discipline builds a godly life.
And hey, let’s remind ourselves – we also need grace. We all fall short (Romans 3:23) and need grace just like our kids do. This realization allows us to react with kindness and patience. As God forgives us, we must forgive our kids, showing them they are cherished and loved despite their slip-ups. Being sinners ourselves, we help our kids grow in grace.
When our kids mess up, the best thing we can do is lead them back to Christ. Discipline shouldn’t stop at punishment; it should point them to God’s love. Jesus has already dealt with our sins through His life, death, and resurrection. As parents, it’s our job to remind our kids of the endless forgiveness that’s theirs in Christ. They need to know that no matter the screw-up, Jesus’s grace has them covered.
Proverbs 13:24 tells us, “The one who loves their children is careful to discipline them” (NIV). But remember, grace-filled discipline should be done with love and wisdom, not in a fit of frustration. Our job is to show them the real-world impact of their actions while affirming God’s unwavering love and forgiveness.
We’re tasked with giving our kids clear boundaries and the assurance that they are loved no matter what. With hearts full of grace, we acknowledge their mistakes and the transformative power of grace. Kids are works in progress. Their errors – and ours – are just steps on the road to becoming more like Christ.
Next time you find yourself facing one of your child’s mistakes, remember that discipline is a chance for growth. It’s about showing our kids God’s perfect love, walking with them in grace, and helping them understand their hiccups while pointing them toward Christ.
