Should We Spank Our Children

A few months ago I posted this very question on my blog. I am reposting it again amidst the recent frenzy over a proposed law that would ban the ability of parents to discipline their children with spanking.

Here are my thoughts.

When I had my first son, I can remember declaring that no one would ever lay a hand on my child. His grandparents of course thought that this was the most hillarious thing they had ever heard.

I soon realized that there comes a time when some form of physical punishment may be necessary to communicate the seriousness of a particular action.

The old folks use to say "If I don't whip him the policeman will."

Not only do I believe that spanking is necessary, it is also Biblical.

The Bible is clear when it provides us with direction about children. First of all Jesus let's us know his feelings about children in these scriptures.

"Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me." (Mark 9:37);

"Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (Mark 10:15)

These scriptures tell us that Jesus has placed high importance on children and their place in the kingdom. Therefore it is safe to say that childrens' wellbeing is of utmost importance to Him.

God later gives us guidelines to follow with regards to rearing our children. He says that we should train them up in the way that they should go so that when they are old, they will not depart from it. He further says that if we spare the rod we will spoil the child.

It is clear that He intends for us to find a balance between the two. Neither of these methods is independent of the other.

I believe that if you take the time to train your children properly, then spanking them will only need to be done sparingly. My rule of thumb was to use spanking only when the offense would result in physical harm to the children or to others.

Furthermore, extension cords, broom handles, and such go far beyond spanking. They are abusive.

The problem with the proposed law is that it will not deter an abuser. Much the same way that restraining orders and various laws that are in place for those that abuse women do not deter them from their course. This law would only limit discipline options for concerned parents.

The system is not ready for the ramifiactions of children gone wild. We have already seen some of these consequences as a result of banning spanking in schools.

What do you think?

What are You Thankful For?

As Thanksgiving approaches I must say that God has blessed me immeasurably in spite of myself. The things that I have accomplished in only one short year are amazing. To God be the glory for the things that he has done. A new book, an internet radio show, speaking engagements, a magzine column; none of this was anywhere on my radar one year ago, but obviously God had other plans.

My plan for this time in my life was to be ready for retirement. My children are grown and out of school and my husband and I could finally relax and enjoy one another. What else is there. Yeah right!

God said the children are out of the way so that I can use you to empower and inspire others in the kingdom. And, here I am.

I am like the Clarke sisters, livin' a blessed life and I like it.

What are you thankful for?

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

There is a proverb that says "When you sup with the devil, use a long spoon."

Halloween is a pagan holiday that began in ancient times. The origins of Halloween are Celtic in and have to do with observing the end of summer sacrifices to gods in Druidic tradition. It iscelebrated and revered as a day to worship the dead by the wiccan culture.

In ancient times, the gods were worshipped on this day with human sacrifices. Celtics believed Samhain, the lord of death, sent evil spirits abroad to attack humans, who could escape only by assuming disguises and looking like evil spirits themselves. The waning of the sun and the approach of dark winter made the evil spirits rejoice and play nasty tricks. Most of our Halloween practices can be traced back to these old pagan rites and superstitions.

In the fourth century, Christians attempted to co-opt the holiday by celebrating the lives of faithful Christian saints the day before Halloween. This was a conscious attempt to provide an alternative and to re-focus the day away from ghouls, goblins, ghosts, witches and other “haunted” experiences. Since that time many Christians have decided to allow their children to dress in more “innocent” costumes of pumpkins, princesses, Superman or as a cowboy. Part of this is due to the simple reality that in today’s Western culture it is nearly impossible to “avoid” Halloween. But Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 10:20) "But I say that these things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God, and I would not that you should have fellowship with the devil.

Our children are impressionable and allowing them to celebrate Halloween can send mixed messages. Satan is cunning in the ways that he gains entry into our lives. If we are not careful, before long he can turn someting as simple as celebrating Halloween into a stronghold in our lives. You could be opening up doorways into your chidren's lives for evil by bringing them into a kind of "fellowship" with these ancient "gods."

We are commanded not to become involved with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11).

So, should Christians celebrate Halloween and/or look for alternatives to celebrate on this day? What do you think?