One day while picking up supplies at Wally World, I saw a young boy running down an aisle with a large toy in his hand. He wasn’t creating a problem, but as his mother came around the corner and grabbed him, I could see that she was thoroughly upset with him.
She grabbed him and the toy and with great irritation separated them. She threw the toy on the shelf and turned toward the boy, grabbed both of his shoulders and started yelling in his face.
I can’t remember the exact words, but what she said went something like this. “When will you ever stop being a problem to me? You are one of the most unruly and undisciplined children I have ever seen. I’ve had all I can take. I’m not putting up with you any more. You’ve never done anything right. You’ve always been a problem and as far as I can see, you will never amount to anything.”
As I said earlier, the boy was just being a child and didn’t seem to be a problem. However, the parent created a scene in the store and the child was thoroughly embarrassed.
The Word says in Proverbs 18:21 that death and life are in the power of the tongue. This parent was unknowingly speaking death into the life of her child.
Sometimes we wonder why children turn out the way they do and I do understand that they make good and bad choices also. However, as adults and parents we should do everything within our power to help our children make the right choices.
Jesus said, “If you say to this mountain to be removed and to be cast into the sea and if you believe in your heart what you say will come to pass, you will have whatever you say.”
Because of this spiritual principle, it is extremely important that we speak blessings over our children rather than cursing. We must speak what we want our child to be rather than speaking out of our irritation of the moment.
Not only does God have a plan for your life, God also has a plan for the life of your child. It’s our duty and command from God to nurture and train our children in such a way that it will be easy for them to choose God’s plan for their life.
The words “never” and “always” are powerful words. If either of these words is used in discipline, then make sure that they line up with the Word of God. Yes, God wants us to discipline our children, but we must not cross over the line and condemn.
Godly discipline will develop self-esteem and nurture love. Condemnation will create rejection, hurts and offenses that last a lifetime.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.