Key Bible Verse: No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way (Hebrews 12:11). Bonus Reading: Hebrews 12:5-11

Eleven-year-old Roger has again neglected his weekly assigned chores—cleaning his room and the dog pen. He's supposed to have these tasks done by Friday night. But it's now 8:30 Saturday morning. His soccer game starts in half an hour.

Dad tells Roger, "You're room isn't clean and the dog pen's filthy. Our agreement is that these chores are to be done by Friday night."

"But, Dad, there was such a good program on TV, and I just forgot."

"Well, you'd better get your room and the pen cleaned up right now."

"But, Dad, I'm going to be late for my soccer game. The team needs me. I'm the only goalie we've got!"

"Roger, ol' buddy, I know you're going to be late, but you're just going to be later if all you do is argue."

Roger rolls his eyes and goes off muttering to clean his room. Twenty-eight minutes later he's done. By the time his dad drives him across town to the field, he's a good 35 minutes late and the game is underway. Roger's coach is unhappy and benches him until the second half. Roger's team loses by one goal—scored in the first half.

—Kevin Leman in Bringing Up Kids Without Tearing Them Down

My Response: Why would overlooking Roger's lapse in doing his chores be a mistake?

Thought to Apply: Better the child should cry now than the father later. —GERMAN PROVERB

Adapted from Bringing Up Kids Without Tearing Them Down (Nelson, 1995) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Heavenly Father, help me to reflect Your justice and mercy in the way I discipline my children.

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