Better Than Blended DevotionalSample

Discipline Means Discipleship

Frustrations arise when we blend a family and don’t consider some practical things that should be adjusted because of the new family dynamic—things like schedules, activities, and boundaries. When we set out to become Better Than Blended, it is vital that we reassess our family priorities and make adjustments where necessary to help our homes run more smoothly. In other words, we need to set some rules. Some of this is just practical common sense—after all, we need to keep track of who is going where and doing what. But setting guidelines in the home is about more than keeping order. It’s about training our children to be disciplined, obedient, and godly. It’s about discipleship.

It is important as a couple for us to handle our children’s behavioral issues in a way that leaves both spouses comfortable. In order to do this, we need to talk about our personal expectations as to how we should respond to our children’s behavior. In a home that is being guided by the goal of becoming Better Than Blended, the word "discipline" actually means "discipleship." These two words look and sound similar—and that is because they are. The problem is, we often misunderstand the true meaning of the word "discipline." Take a look at the differing views below:

• 1. Discipline as punishment. This view is more focused on a child’s behavior as the issue and on providing a reaction to an action, which often means punishing simply for the sake of punishing. The focus of this example is solely to dole out consequences, regardless of their actual impact on the child’s behavior.

• 2. Discipline as discipleship. This view pursues the root of a child’s behavior and not just the behavior itself. Discipleship considers why the behavior took place, what lesson needs to be learned, and what needs to be done to see the behavior changed. The focus of this approach is correction that may result in a consequence that is unpleasing to the child, but that will change the child’s behavior.

Jesus’ focus with His disciples was to teach them the right way to live so that they would correct their sinful behavior. Discipleship in the lives of our children should have a similar focus. When we allow discipleship to guide us in handling behavioral issues within the home, we avoid reacting in the moment and instead seek God on how to respond to the situation.

Think about it!

How do you and your spouse currently handle behavioral issues in the home? How can your methods of discipline be changed to better foster the goals of raising godly children to become godly adults and to prepare them for life outside the home so that they can become well-rounded citizens within society?