Growing up could be challenging especially when you have that rod by dad’s bed. Little children fear the rod. In many countries, the use of a rod on a child is termed as an abuse. But is it really an abuse? Wise man Solomon a man renowned for his great wisdom posits; “spare the rod and spoil the child” . In David’s prayers the lord shepherd, he said “they rod and thy staff, they comfort me”. So what is the rod for?
Children are not animals; they are humans just like every other person. Is dad super human? Not at all. Your Dad, you and your siblings are all humans of the same species. But why should dad have a rod? The essence is for direction and guide. As children, there is always a temptation to stray especially the fact that there has been no initial knowledge of life’s issues. Dad’s rod serves as a correction so that you don’t get through the same route he had to get through. Your dad is following God’s direction. He doesn’t want you spoilt. He wants you the best you can be. He knows one way he can achieve this is by using his rod appropriately.
Solomon would never have been king if his dad David did not apply his rod appropriately. Solomon being an offshoot of such training did not have problems sharing his experience because he knows he was only better because daddy David used his rod.
Is the rod still appropriate in our present time? There have been developments in many countries where there have been concern about the use of the rod as a tool in directing or correcting a child. There have been increased fears that many dads abuse it. Many homes have been broken because of its inappropriate use and to guard against this legislation has been made to protect children from such abuse.
But is the abuse report enough evidence against the use of the rod? While protection against such abuse is good, there has been an over indulgences in the parts of dads who now under the cover of abuse are afraid to give the right correction. The increased crime rate and other vices are a result of decreasing discipline.
Solomon became a responsible king after his father because David sure knew he had to use his rod and apply it appropriately. Appropriate use of the word is necessity. Dad knows when to use his rod and when not to. Though there would be a temptation to over indulge in its use, dad knows he needs to have a level of self-control. Dad knows you are no animal all he wanted to do is protect you God has given you to him and he has a responsibility to ensure you advice Gods disturbed plan for you.
Remember the rod, it’s not meant to hurt you; it’s to ensure you remain on track on the way up.