Discipline

Discipline is not a popular word nor idea in these days of self-indulgence, affluence and breadown of traditional values.  In part, a reaction, or better, and over-reaction to the strong discipline of past generations, today's lack of discipline can be seen as the root of many of today's ills ranging from obesity to a-morality. Setting limits, saying NO, are less and less in vogue.  There are countless self-help books, which in the long run, prove not to have been any help at all.  How did parents for hundred years did without them? They did, however,  follow the counsel in the "Good Book", which now seems more relevant than ever.  This short passage from Sirach 6:18-22 sums it all up nicely and provides a healthy slice of today's daily bread:
My child, from your youth choose discipline;/ and when you have gray hair you will find wisdom./ As though plowing or sowing, draw close to her;/ then wait for her beautiful crops./ for in cultivating her you will work but little,/ and soon you will bear fruit.
She is rough ground to the fool!/ The stupid cannot abide her./ She will be like a burdensome stone to them, and they will not delay in casting her aside. For discipline is like her name,/ she is not accessible to many. 
Bro. Rene