Discipline with Integrity

I don’t know how well it will work, but I know that it’s right. (I am thinking about discipline as it applies to children in the home.)

My leading statement might not instill great confidence. However, there is a reason for making the statement: Kids make choices. By that, I mean that even perfect parenting will yield varied results. You might remember what God said to one of his prophets: “You shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you; and you shall call to them, but they will not answer you.” (Jeremiah 7:27) Like the people of God at the time of Jeremiah, children do not always listen, even when parents do everything right. Like all humans, children make choices and their independence grows with age.

Parenting is not hopeless, however. There are principles of discipline that should be followed. But first, what is discipline? 

In the Bible, discipline starts with simple instruction. It also includes training by modeling and by hands-on attempts by the child. Discipline also includes verbal correction, rebuke and physical consequences that may range from removing privileges, applying unwanted circumstances, and yes, even spanking. So, discipline is a very broad category.

There are a few principles that apply to all types of discipline in all kinds of circumstances:

• Make no idle threats. Never threaten a consequence that you cannot carry out or that you know you will not carry out. When you lie to your children about discipline, your children will also learn to lie.
• If you agree to something, do it. If you do not keep your word, children learn that it is ok to say things and not really mean what they say. That is simply a lengthy way of describing a lie. Children see through lies.
• If it is morally right in the Bible, then it should be right in your home. Model what is right and demand it in your children.
• If it is morally wrong in the Bible, then it should be wrong in your home. Among other things, the Bible teaches that children are expected to honor and obey their parents, and tell the truth. Parents who do not discipline a child for lying, disobedience and/or dishonor have placed themselves above God. Children will see that their parents do not regard God’s word highly.

The way parents discipline their children will reflect their view of God and His word.

Discipline has two primary goals:

• First, discipline is the means by which a parent keeps a child on the path of righteousness. Much can be learned from the book of Proverbs where discipline is a prominent theme. Ultimately, righteousness leads the child to the cross of Christ where he/she is then encouraged to follow Jesus.
• Second, discipline in the home trains a child to be self-disciplined. A child who has learned self-discipline is far more likely to be happy, creative, successful, and well-adjusted as an adult. A complete lack of discipline promotes instinctive behavior like that found in wild animals.

People differ in their viewpoint of child discipline and how it is to be applied. However, Integrity in discipline is about following God’s instruction in spite of everyone else’s opinions.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, 

but he who hates correction is stupid.

—Proverbs 12:1 (NIV)

Mark Stinnett

January 19, 2025

Why Is It So Hard To Choose?

One of the most brutal and paralyzing realities of life is that of choices.

Yes, we make all kinds of choices every day. Many are natural: I’m thirsty, so I choose to drink a cup of coffee, a soft drink, a glass of water. I’m getting a bit drowsy at my desk, so I take a brisk five-minute walk, or I take 20 minutes for a power nap. I choose to bring my lunch, or instead grab a quick indigestible fast food snack, or eat with a friend, or just have another glass of water.

Those are all easy choices. They each have consequences, but not especially harmful. So, we generally do not consider the consequences for these things. We choose. We go on with life.

Some choices are much more serious and require forethought or careful research. Examples might include making a major purchase such as a refrigerator or oven, a car or a house. With sufficient research we feel confident that our choice has minimized the risk of future disappointment and needless costs.

Still, other choices are quite daunting. It’s just not possible to be a doctor and a fireman and a baseball pitcher all at the same time. There has to be a career choice. While many people change careers, they choose one at a time. And each potential career comes with risks. At the very start there is the uncertainty of making it onto a chosen career path. The required intelligence or skill or creativity might be more than a person possesses or can reasonably develop.

Making a career choice also comes with the risk of failure. We all know that failure in one’s career is far more serious than ordering the wrong meal at the drive-thru. A failed career will most likely have long-lasting consequences, not to mention the emotional stress of failure.

A choice to go down one path means that other paths are not chosen. Our mind tells us that we will miss out on some things because of the paths we did not choose. “Would I have been a better dentist than a fireman?!”

The same fears enter into choosing a mate. A young adult thinks, “What if I choose the wrong person to marry?” Remember this: God rules, not destiny and He allows you to choose. Do you know why your choice for a mate will work? You choose faithfulness! Then, you apply genuine love with all the choices in marriage.

Every time we stand at a ‘Y’ in the road to make a choice, we decided to go down one path and not all the others. In doing so we accept one set of unknowns over others.

I find it completely mystifying that some people do not choose Jesus? Yet, for those who are in Christ Jesus there are promises from our Creator.

• Provisions in this life (Matthew 6:33)
• A new start (Romans 6:4; John 3:3)
• Adoption as sons of God (Romans 8:16)
• God’s Spirit to intercede for us and help us (Acts 2:38; Romans 8:26; John 14:16)
• A direct line to God (Jeremiah 33:3)
• Purification from sin (2 Peter 1:9)
• Partaking in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)
• Protection from Satan (1 Corinthians 10:13)
• Forgiveness if there is sin (1 John 1:9)
• Resurrection from the dead (Romans 6:5; 1 Corinthians 15)
• Eternal life (John 3:36; 11:35)

Faith in self comes without promise, but only uncertainties. Self-love gives me comfort only in knowing that I am in the majority. Yet, for the few who choose Jesus, there is great confidence in God’s promises. And there is life...eternal!


Mark Stinnett

November 20, 2022

God IS in Control

“It shows that God is in control.” 

That was a comment made in a Bible class on the Book of Daniel. The comment was in reference to the prophesied fall of a great kingdom.

In my last blog I showed from scripture that God…

• Is not a controller of human puppets;
• Does not orchestrate all matters;
• Does not assign destiny to every person.

The point was that God allows people to make choices, even when those choices go against Him and His divine will. Yet, when we look at the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, there is no question but that God orchestrated some things. It is clear that God has used His authority and power to accomplish His will. So, it makes sense to say, “God is in control.”

Of course, some people don’t like the idea of God being in control. Yet, as in a family with small children, it is always better when the parents are in charge. Here are a few ways that we benefit from God being in control.

Job and the Accuser: In the opening chapter of the Book of Job Satan accuses that Job is of good character and that he reveres God because God blessed him so much. Satan suggested that if his wealth, family and health were removed, Job would curse God. Because of his confidence in Job, God allowed Satan to bring calamity and pain into the life of Job. Yet, Satan could not proceed without God’s permission. Satan cannot make a move against you without God’s permission. Satan submits to God.

Temptation: Consider the following verse.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

—1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB95)

God knows your weakness and he will not allow a temptation in your life that you cannot overcome. God protects you.

Judgment: Consider the following:

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

—Romans 12:19 (NASB95)

Ultimately, God will bring justice to all people. He has the authority to do so. What a relief that we (humans) do not have to figure it all out!

Good for God’s People: 

(From Romans 8)

We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (v. 28)

If God is for us, who is against us? (v. 31)

Paul concluded by explaining emphatically that nothing in this world or the unseen world can separate us from the love of God. (vv. 38-39)

The End and the Beginning: The Apostle John recorded a lengthy vision from God. He saw a place of destruction at the end of time a place called the lake of fire. In it were cast death, Hades, the devil, and all evil. Yet, just as soon as John saw these things, he saw a new heaven and new earth and a new Jerusalem prepared for God’s holy people; a new beginning for God’s holy people. (Revelation 20-22)

God does these things because He has all authority and all power! God IS in control, and that’s good. As a result, we have hope!

Mark Stinnett

December 6, 2020

Is God in Control???

“God is in control.” Yet, corrupt governments rise; injustice rises proportionally. The underprivileged are marginalized or simply cast aside. A worldwide pandemic persists. Natural disasters bring death and destruction to thousands upon thousands. Is God controlling all that? 

What does it mean to say that “God is in control?”

• Is God a controlling God?
• Does God orchestrate all matters related to mankind?
• Is everything in life destined?

Let me share a few passages that will guide our thinking.

Early in Scripture we read about the first sin. God had forbidden Adam and Eve from eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Yet, the serpent deceived Eve and she ate the fruit, and so did Adam. There were severe consequences for their sin. However, it is noteworthy that God did not keep them from disobeying. In other words, God’s relationship with created mankind is more like that of a parent and child instead of a puppeteer and puppet. God gave Adam and Eve direction, but he allowed them to choose. (See Genesis 3.)

In a somewhat parallel passage in the New Testament we learn that God’s fierce anger will be “revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men….” (Romans 1:18) Just like in the Garden of Eden, there are consequences for disobeying God. The Apostle Paul continued in Romans 1 by describing people who simply would not stop opposing God. And three times he stated that God would give them over.

• God gave them over to their desires;
• God gave them over to degrading passions;
• God gave them over to a depraved mind.

So, God does not make anyone submit to Him; he did not create puppets. I think that is the ultimate statement of liberty. Yet, it is not good. Whenever man is left to pursue his own desires he becomes immoral and violent. 

(That’s why God destroyed the world with a great flood. Check it out in Genesis 6.)

The Apostle John wrote:

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. 

— 1 John 5:3

Many people see God as controlling and restrictive, blind to the Father-child relationship between Creator and created mankind. Good parents place restrictions on their children because they love them. The restrictions are for the good of the child. They want their children to grow into respectable human beings, not wild animals. God’s word is for our good so that we can enjoy this life and also inherit eternal life.

Finally, think about these verses:

The Lord is...not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
— 2 Peter 3:9

God...desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth. 

— 1 Timothy 2:4

If we are all destined, then how is it that, against His desire, God destined some to be lost/perish? Jesus said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” God is not divided and we are not subject to destiny. God created us so that we can choose. 

• We are not puppets controlled by God as the divine puppet-master of life.
• God is not controlling; He has spoken to us through His word for our benefit.
• We are not locked in to destiny.

So...God is in control, yet...we can choose. 

Mark Stinnett

November 29, 2020

Can You Hear the Voice of Wisdom?

     Does not wisdom call,

     And understanding lift up her voice?

     --Proverbs 8:1

Consider the stark contrast:
Wisdom calls in the day, in the heights, in places where people gather.

The wicked woman prowls around at night, in the dark streets, preying on the naïve fool who walks alone.

Proverbs 7 and 8 tell even more:

• Wisdom speaks truth; the strange woman flattery.
• Wisdom speak noble things; the foreign woman deceitful things.
• Wisdom utters righteousness; the adulterous woman draws her prey into wickedness.

I have never heard anyone accuse 'Wisdom' of speaking deceitfully. I have never heard anyone say that 'Wisdom' has no value. I have never heard anyone claim that it is foolish to lead or govern with 'Wisdom.' Almost everyone would agree that 'Wisdom' is good.

Wisdom presents herself in the light of day; openly for all to hear; ready for critical inspection. She calls, not arrogantly to gain attention; she calls to offer counsel, hope, riches, justice, life.

Why? Why? WHY!?

Why do so many refuse Wisdom?

• Is it that Wisdom has so little to offer?
• Is it that Wisdom has no value?
• Is it that Wisdom has not made herself known?
• Is it that Wisdom waits in the shadows?
• Is it that Wisdom is difficult?
• Is it that Wisdom is just not popular?

In chapter seven, the foolish young man chose the adulteress.

Wisdom calls...
Wisdom calls aloud...
Wisdom calls aloud in the daytime...

And all choose!

We choose to listen to wisdom OR
   ...listen to our heart,
   ...listen to our mind/intellect/reasoning,
   ...listen to our self.

There are many sources of wisdom in our world, but only one that is divine.
Choose God's wisdom.

Choose life.

Playing with Fire

I remember childhood friends who could put out a lit match by pinching the flame with their thumb and forefinger. It looked rather daring to those of us who had never tried it and did not know the ‘trick.’

Everything was fun and games until one of my buddies accidentally pinched the head off a lit match and burned a blister on his thumb.

If you 'play with fire, sooner or later you are bound to get burned.'

'Playing with fire' is an expression that describes taking an unwarranted risk in a dangerous or questionable situation. A person who ‘plays with fire’ intentionally places himself in danger, usually with a sense of confidence. Due to inexperience in life, young people often ‘play with fire.’

Solomon wrote:
   Keep your way far from her,
   And do not go near the door of her house.
   --Proverbs 5:8

He was warning his son to stay far away from the house of the adulteress. It should be applied today as a general warning against sexual immorality.

We might have expected, “keep your feet” or “keep your eyes” or “keep your heart” far from her. Yet, Solomon said, “keep your way” far from her. The simple point is that YOU are the one who ultimately chooses your way. So, you should make your choice so that your path in life does not come near the house of the adulteress.

Applied to our day: Make your choice so that your path in life does not come near pornography, improper physical contact of your girlfriend, talking and joking about improper sexual behavior.

The closer a person gets to sexual impurity and the more they allow themselves to be teased by the imagined possibilities, then the more dangerous the circumstances. They invite temptation, paving the way to 'the door of her house.' How then will they keep from falling to the temptation.

Consider the next few verses from the same chapter to better understand the very real consequences of ‘playinng with the fire’ of sexual impurity.


   Lest you give your vigor to others, 
      And your years to the cruel one;
   Lest strangers be filled with your strength, 
      And your hard-earned goods go to the house of an alien;
   And you groan at your latter end, 
      When your flesh and your body are consumed;
   And you say, "How I have hated instruction! 
      And my heart spurned reproof!
   And I have not listened to the voice of my teachers, 
      Nor inclined my ear to my instructors!
   --Proverbs 5:9-13


Sexual impurity robs you of your strength, your wealth, and the best years of your life by giving yourself to someone who does not care about you...all in exchange for a mere moment of pleasure.

Young men...choose now to keep you way pure.