Discipline comes from the Latin word, DISCIPLINA, which means instruction or knowledge. The dictionary defines it as training intended to produce a specified character or pattern of behavior. It relates well to the Latin root DISCERE, to learn or to know. We think of disciplining as DISCIPLESHIP where it is not about punishment, but rather training.
MASTER GARDENER
But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.
Matthew 13:6 [NIV]
Parents plant seeds. This is discipleship. However, there is a hot sun in the desert – the challenges and trials that our children face. Healthy roots withstand the heat. Watering and feeding the soil nourishes the seedling to develop roots.
Parable of the Sower
In Matthew 13, Jesus tells the parable of the sower:
A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
Matthew 13:3-9 [NIV]
Like the farmer, parents sow seeds. We plant seeds for growth in character and values. We sow rituals to foster traditions. Our children’s hearts are the soil. Sometimes it is rocky. Sometimes shallow. Other times our seeds compete with the thorns of bad habits and negative culture. But there is always the HOPE that some seed will fall on good soil. We need to be faithful to continue sowing seeds AND nurture the soil.
Discipleship is Tilling and Sowing
Soil tilling is the preparation of soil for planting. It involves turning the soil to control for weeds and pests and to prepare for seeding. Too much, or intensive, soil tillage can sometimes lead to soil erosion and nutrient runoff. Farmers’ choices about soil preparation (tillage depth, number of tillage operations) can reduce weed growth, improve nutrient management, and influence crop seeding.
Discipleship is similar. As each child is unique, the amount of soil tilling or heart nurturing is unique to the conditions. Some children make wise choices – the soil is soft and the heart is teachable. Others learn the hard way and put you through a spin cycle. Some tweens and teens have a hard time during puberty. Even adult children make their own choices, and they may not align with what you have taught. Different results come from different characteristics of the soil.
What are some soil tilling steps you can take to prepare your child’s heart?
What can you model or mentor with the goal of bringing your child into maturity?
When faced with rocky soil and difficult challenges, don’t take all the guilt and shame for our child’s choices. My response is my responsibility – own it! Their response is their responsibility – pray on it!
Our encouragement to you: Never give up on modeling and mentoring for your family. Be faithful in nurturing the roots. Plants seeds now, the harvest will come.
Read more: The Parent Adventure: Discipline, Discipline Tips, Home Improvement: Discipline
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