Should Parents Raise Up or Rule Over Their Children?

This is Benjamin Leo Martin the newest addition to our family. Truly a result of literal labor and love on the part of my daughter Heather and her wonderful husband, Kyle.

I was honored to be present at the birth of this incredible bundle and believe me, if you have never been on this side of delivery, it was the utmost visual of God's sovereignty, resulting in the ultimate fruit of our labor. For our first time parents, you'll find it's after this "fruit" is produced the really hard work begins - LOL.

There are many who debate the roles of parents today especially where discipline is concerned. Are we to rule or raise our children? What is the difference? How does the Bible direct us and is it really relevant to parenting in the 21st century? I would love your input as I believe this is one area many of us are struggling with.

Rule is a verb, defined as: to govern or control; to decide.

Raise has many definitions but for our subject today, lets look at bring up and nurture.

The immediate difference I "feel" are the emotions each word evokes. If we rule over our children, it seems to be about control, our control over them and their purpose to do as we dictate; whereas if we raise our children there is a sense of love and desire to nurture.

What does the Bible say about this...

"He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly." Proverbs 13:24"

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

So what feelings do you get from those two passages of scripture about discipline?

Proverbs 13:24 plainly says if we love our children discipline must be present in the raising of them. Likewise, by "training" them up according to Proverbs 22:6, doesn't that mean discipline?

Truthfully discipline has to be present to set healthy boundaries for our children... understanding right from wrong, respect, honor, healthy eating habits, healthy sleeping habits, integrity... right?

Were you raised up or ruled over? How did it impact the way you care for your children?

How do you differentiate between raising and ruling when it comes to discipline?

My mind was thinking in bullet points today... can't wait to hear your thoughts.