hey there. although the above clip is kind of funny to watch, it is very uncomfortable to experience. the most unfortunate outcome of a temper tantrum like this is when it is left unchecked, when it is appeased. we learn most lessons through repetition, and it is very dangerous when we discover that throwing fits will get us what we want. this is why proverbs 22.6 reminds us to 'train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.'
our children will learn very well how to follow Jesus just like we follow Jesus. our children will learn very well how to worship God just like we worship God. our children will learn very well how to be faithful to God's house just like we are faithful to God's house. our children will learn very well how to have Godly relationships just like we have Godly relationships. when we train up a child, they will not depart from it. this truth is either very comforting, or very scary. when we make sure that basketfootbaseball doesn't get in the way of our child's faithfulness to the house of God, then fishshopcountry clubbing won't get in the way of their faithfulness to the house of God when they're grown. when we make sure that their seven bucks an hour job doesn't cost them an eternity in heaven, then their six figure career won't cost them an eternity in heaven either. no question, it is difficult to maintain consistent discipline in how we raise our children... but they are so worth it!
-matthew
