Devotional Guide, Today’s Reading – Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Theme: AVOIDING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Introduction

Anti-social behaviour means conduct, disorder, attitude which causes damage to the way in which people live together peacefully. People of this kind are known to be opposed to law and order in society, they are selfish and self-centred, and are unable to mix up with other people. They also have traits of arrogance, impulsive behaviour, lie-telling, stealing, violence, etc. And they borrow money without repaying. All these are vices which are not supposed to be named among people of God because they are capable of causing emotional and physical pain to oneself and others and, above all, could lead to death. Research has shown that this disorder – the tendency to anti-social behavior – develops early in childhood and has a better chance of not continuing into adulthood if checked early by God’s grace. There is not a more effective way of correcting social vices than with the word of God.  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”  – 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. See also Psalm 94:12, 13.

Text: “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6.

Comment: A child, who is properly brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, will, in most cases, be modest and upright in character as he or she grows up into adulthood. Thus, the first thing is to teach the children the word of God, to keep His commandments, to attend Divine Services and Bible Study Meetings. “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7) Indeed we are told: “Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.” – Joel 1:3.

Corrective measures could also be applied when necessary as a measure of discipline to bring a boy or girl to the path of rectitude. Such training is vital because “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15; 3:11) It is clear therefore that the Bible endorses corporal punishment – though as people of God this should be done with moderation and discretion. The law of Moses provides that if in spite of repeated admonitions and corrections a young man refuses to change he should be brought to the elders and visited with the ultimate punishment. (Deuteronomy 21:18-21) Though the grace of Christ has done away with capital punishment, the fact that God Almighty disapproves of deviant behavior still applies. – Ephesians 6:1-3.

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