Friday, January 19, 2007

Spare the Rod?

I generally don't plan to delve into politics on this blog. After all, I get more than my share of it each day at work. But this story is just too crazy to let by without comment.

Media outlets are reporting that California Assemblywoman Sally Lieber will soon introduce legislation making it a crime to spank a child younger than three years old. The chances of her bill passing are pretty slim, but keep in mind that the California Legislature has previously approved measures to establish gay marriage and provide drivers licenses to illegal immigrants (both vetoed by the Governor). One never really knows for sure what they will come up with next...

Ms. Lieber's bill should be a good reminder to all of us of the necessity of grounding our thinking on God's Word, lest we become futile in our speculations.

Consider Proverbs 13:24: He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.

... and Proverbs 3:11-12: My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD or loathe His reproof, for whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

These verses demonstrate that love and discipline go hand in hand. We're called to lovingly discipline (not abuse) our kids and to humbly accept God's loving discipline in our lives.

As a parent of three kids under three, I know that living out these principles isn't always easy -- and certainly not likely to generate flashy news headlines anytime soon -- but it's still a key way I can faithfully and joyfully honor the Lawmaker who, last time I checked, still outranks Ms. Lieber.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ah, so THAT's what I heard yesterday! My afternoon bus driver listens to right-wing talk radio, and the fellow was giving the fifth degree Friday afternoon to some lady policitian that wanted to ban spanking. Must have been her.

I certainly hope it fails!

Anonymous said...

I'm secretly rooting for the spanking ban -- I think it's my best shot at implementing our "Red state plan!"

In fact, if this passes, I think our whole church, and every other Bible-believing church in California, should pick up and relocate. What a testimony that would be!