Proverbs 29:15

The rod and reproof (godly instruction) give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. (AMP)

It is clear from the Scriptures and the things we do in life that we all have a fallen, sinful nature. In the book of Romans, Paul expressed his struggle with sin (Romans 7:21-25). Even though he was called by God and was taught the Gospel through a revelation of Jesus (Galatians 5:11-12), he struggled against his human nature. If this is true for the man who wrote most of the New Testament, its certainly true for our children.

Because of their sin nature, they have to be given godly instruction and, at times, correction. If not, they will constantly run into the “wall of disaster” as they go through life. A lack of godly instruction and correction is like driving a car without brakes. Eventually it will crash and cause injury to the driver and others who happen to be in the way.

As parents, it is our obligation to provide that instruction. Children don’t live in isolation; the consequences of an ungodly life will not only affect them, but bring heartache to the parents as well.