Just as the Holy Spirit continually transforms us, the Holy Spirit also consistently transforms our children. We may have to say the same thing a hundred times, and when we get exasperated, remember that adults also struggle to do what they know is right. The Lord is patient and loving and extends his grace toward his children, and we should do the same. With that being said, we need to administer discipline when needed, and children need to learn to obey. When children are not disciplined properly, it can lead to pride instead of humility and unbelief instead of faith. They seek their glory instead of God’s glory, rely on their power instead of his power, covet their goodness instead of his goodness, and demonstrate actions that are self-centered instead of self-sacrificial.
The ultimate goal of discipline should always be for our children to learn self-control, self-discipline, and self-motivation. It is important to recognize that discipline never means physical punishment. Discipline is an act of love from the Lord to us and from us to our children. Proverbs 3:11-12 says: “My son, do not despise the LORD’S discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
For more indepth information on obedience through godly discipline, see chapter 4 in Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God.