Recently it was reported that an NFL player named Adrian Peterson beat his 4-year-old son. That alleged action made the headlines because the degree of the beating was deemed to be abusive. The following are few of the reported details.

• Peterson grabbed a switch, removed the leaves, and stuffed the leaves in the child’s mouth.
• The beating caused numerous injuries to the child, including cuts and bruises to the back, buttocks, ankles, legs and scrotum. There were also defensive wounds on the child’s hands.
• The child told authorities that Peterson hit him in the face.

If these details are true, and that the beating required medical attention, then that certainly is abuse and is indefensible.

Unfortunately, horror stories like this effect some parents to the extent that they become repulsed at the idea of physically disciplining their child. Christian parents shouldn’t have that mindset. Christian parents ought to know that applying discipline, even physically, can be a major, positive contribution to the child’s temporal and eternal welfare.

In fact, it is manifested, godly wisdom to physically correct a child. However, it should be done with restraint. In the case of Peterson, it seems that self-control was lost. That shouldn’t happen with the Christian parent who is under the control of and exhibiting these fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, patience, gentleness, and temperance. A spanking – swatting on the butt – within those parameters is appropriate.

Here’s the biblical principle behind what I’ve said…

Do not hold back discipline from the child. Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die. You shall strike him with the rod and rescue his soul from Sheol (the grave). Proverbs 23: 13, 14