[euromom]

Originally Posted by Chris3jam

We are supposed to "put off the old man" and "put on the new man"- - - and that directive is a command, and it is directed to us, specifically. And we do that by listening to the Holy Spirit, and doing what God says, rather than what we would want to do, which comes from the "sin nature" and is bad. And that verse, "the heart is deceitful and wicked, who can know it" is used for "proof", too. We are to do what's Biblical. . .not listen to our heart, which is the sinful flesh, which will direct us in our own selfish desires.

But if we as adults are commanded to just listen to the H.S. and do what God says vs. our "flesh", why is it that people think the only way a child can 'let go' of that sin nature is by punishing them for it? or hitting them physically??? That just seems so messed up to me.

Originally Posted by palil

The ironic thing is that parents who believe in breaking the will are usually asking their child to exert GREAT force of will by obeying instantly, delaying gratification, denying his own desires when they conflict with Mom and Dad's instructions, etc. I would say that many parents require more "will-power" from their children than they do from themselves.

Wow, great point palil. Very ironic indeed!