Prepping the Clay

(Proverbs 22:15 KJV)  Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

The sin that is in every human heart can only be dealt with by God through grace and the work of the Holy Spirit.  We can however learn to discipline the actions that come out of that heart.  We can learn behaviors.  We can change habits.  It can be done.  The task is supposed to begin in the family with the leadership of the parents. 

We don’t like this truth because it demands hard choices.  One task of adults is to “remove” (7368) this flaw from children.  This verse tells us there are things we can do to improve the situation.  I think that it is important because as we teach children boundaries and standards of right or wrong we are one of the tools that God uses to prepare children to respond to Him.

So?  Rules are necessary.  They teach moral values.  They teach civil relationships.  They give a structure that God wants there to prepare the way for His Spirit.  It is your job as a parent and adult to mold the clay of childhood so it can be fired in the kiln of grace.