The Fine Line:
dis·ci·pline
1. Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement.
2. Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training; self- control.
3. a. Control obtained by enforcing compliance or order.
b. A systematic method to obtain obedience: a military discipline.
c. A state of order based on submission to rules and authority: a teacher who demanded discipline in the classroom.
4. Punishment intended to correct or train.
5. A set of rules or methods, as those regulating the practice of a church or monastic order.
6. A branch of knowledge or teaching.
a·buse
1. Improper use or handling; misuse: abuse of authority; drug abuse.
2. Physical maltreatment: spousal abuse.
3. Sexual abuse.
4. An unjust or wrongful practice: a government that commits abuses against its citizens.
5. Insulting or coarse language: verbal abuse.
Few things in this world make angry. Sure things bother me, but nothing makes my blood boil like abuses and injustices. The reason I bring this up is because of a possible case of abuse that was witnessed by some of my co-workers AT my place of employment. Had I seen that, someone would have had to post bail for me last night.
According to the source at work, the child was pinned down and struck repeatedly. No one should ever hit a child like that.....EVER! I was angry! I don’t like getting angry, but this was a holy anger. I cried out to God to bring His justice in this situation.
I am sure that God burns with an intense anger when He sees the little children suffer at the hands of those who are supposed to showing them love. Love is not transfered through the back of the hand (This also goes for spousal abuse... I heard a song once that said “Didn’t anyone ever tell you that you should never hit a woman? I’d gladly kick your a__!” My sentiments exactly). Read 1st Corinthians 13 - no where does it mention abuse being a form of love.
It angers me that I cannot do anything about these situations. I wish that God would make me an instrument of His wrath some times. Had I witnessed the event, I may have come home with blood on my hands. I am not a violent man, but when it comes to protecting the weak, those who cannot protect themselves, I would gladly stand in between them and the rage which is poured out on to them.
There is a fine line between discipline and abuse. Discipline is controled. It is not performed out of angry. Discipline shows the error of the way chosen and takes a measure to change that behavior and reinfornce correct behavior. I am an avocate of spanking. My parents spanked me and I turned out fine. Never did they hit any of us out of anger. Abuse happens when tempers are lost and the weaknesses of the recipient are exploited.
I wish that I was a type of superhero that could stand in the way of every hand raised in anger. I don’t care if I took a beating... at least I could take it.... and give it back.
