Sunday Devotion: Bull-headed? Me?

Cindy Sproles

We’ve always remained true to discipline in our family. With four boys all fifteen months apart, we had no other option. The odds were against us from the beginning. Since we were a combined family we had to be especially careful to maintain the same standards for all four kids. Therefore, we opted to use the counting method.

You know, “I’m going to count to three and if you haven’t done what I asked you’re going to…” Well, we modified the theory a bit, but before we refined the process my husband and I came to a mutual agreement. Regardless, we would stick to the plan. Discipline was as much an issue for us as it was the kids because we had to remain true to the agreement.

We agreed that three was the magic number. We’d count to one and explain the issue. Count two – the ball was in the boys’ court. They would be the deciding factor in whether they would obey or be punished. Count three – we executed the punishment, no exceptions.

We realized early on (since both of us owned a strong-willed son) that we couldn’t deviate. The hardest part of discipline for a parent is follow-through. Strangely enough, it only took a couple of incidents before our kids understood that mom and dad should never reach the third count because they would carry through. We rarely had to spank our boys because early on, they figured out we were parents of our word.

1 Samuel 15:23 guides us by saying, “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.” Of course, this scripture refers to King David but the point is the same. God maintained a sense of discipline with His people. He forewarned them, and then He counted to three only to execute the discipline if His children refused to listen.

Obedience has always been a problem for the human race. Like small children we continue to test the waters God has told us to stay away from. Very few truly comply – even down to us. We know lying is wrong, still we lie. We know gossip is wrong, still we continue to gossip. When disobedient children continue to misbehave, then they must be disciplined.

As writers we sometimes have difficulty sticking to the task; for that fact, listening when God calls us to write. Our desire is to write the burning story on our mind but it may be that the Father wants us to write the burning story He places on our hearts. When we fail to follow His instruction, He gently disciplines us. Learning to lay aside our own will and bow to that of the One who has the plan takes a little practice. Thank goodness we have a loving God who understands us and knows our hearts.

We think discipline is only for our children, when in fact, it applies to all of us. Just as God continues to impress upon us the right way to do things, He also rewards us for the good that we do. And believe me; the rewards far out weigh the punishments.
One afternoon, we met head on with one of our strong-willed boys. “Son, don’t be so bull-headed about things.” His response was simple.

“Bull-headed – Me?” A grin parted his lips as he turned to perform the task he was asked to do. Unfortunately, we all harbor a little bull-headedness and God still has to discipline even His adults.

Would you like to know something funny? All four of our sons are fine adult men now. They all tower over the top of me in height. But you let me point my finger and say, “One!” They generally lean back and roar in laughter – but not until they’ve done what was asked of them.

Prayer: Precious Lord, discipline hurts but I am grateful You love me enough to follow-through.

DISCLAIMER: For the record, we were never mean to our boys. I know someone out there will think we were, but it’s simply not true. Our discipline was always fair, provided privately for each son, and followed up with great love and compassion. We never once pinched off a head! As they say down south, “Facts is facts!”