George is a 2 year old Australian Terrier x Foxy rescue dog who is very cheeky and loveable, with strong tendencies towards biting and destruction. Our friends think he is really cute by the Facebook pics we share, but don’t see what goes on behind the scenes. As a rescue dog, I really hope he can learn appropriate behaviour and settle into our home.
We thought we were getting a quiet lap dog but he is far from that. He has energy to burn, all the time. He needs constant distraction and correction from bad behaviour, and positive encouragement when he does the right thing: “Good boy George!” (does that sound strange?).
Whether or not you have a dog, I bet this sounds pretty familiar. It is similar to raising a child.
The Dogfather is a new model 'Dr Harry style dude' who gets called in to sort our bad behaviour from our canine friends. Sometimes it’s quiet, sometimes slow, but usually with quite a bit of humour mixed in. But it takes effort and perseverance to make sure the learning sticks firm.
Raising and disciplining kids is a similar process. The role parents, teachers, coaches and others who invest in the lives of children is so important. Your work should never be de-valued. The Bible has a few verses to encourage you in this:
Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. Proverbs 10:17
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Revelation 3:19
As you raise the children in your care, be mindful not to exasperate them – not badgering, provoking and discouraging, but disciplining them with care and correction. Also, consider the responsibility to discipline children in their understanding of the Lord Jesus, that he is the one who brings true knowledge and life.
