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Originally Posted by Indiana
Although Watchman Nee did not have his own children he was in many homes tending to broken and ruinness family relationships by 1948. Paul, the apostle, also did not have children and was never even married yet he wrote to Timothy twice, his last 2 epistles, with instruction on how ones ought to behave as parents, as slaves, as slave-owners, and as elders - he was never any of these.
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I agree with you,
in principle, yet we should remember that Nee had just spent his last 6 years
outside of the church, outside the ministry, and apart from shepherding families in their homes. Secondly, regardless of the maturity of the minister, we should still heed Paul's instruction to "
test all things, hold fast to what is good," (I Thess 5.21) and "
let each man prove his own work." (Gal 6.4)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Indiana
Paul, by this time at his age and maturity in life, both humanly and spiritually, spoke according to his view. Watchman at his age spoke according to his view and his level of maturity. Both cared for the future of the church and saw the need for discipline early, in a spirit of love only.
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Looking at Nee's instruction to beat the child, I cannot help but remember Paul's instruction to, "
fathers, do not provoke your children to anger." I am a firm believer that parental discipline should always fit the "crime," should always be age and gender appropriate, and should be accompanied by much loving instruction.
I would consider Dr. James Dobson a far more respected minister and teacher in this area of parenting and discipline. Unfortunately, neither Nee not Lee was humble enough to solicit proper ministry from ones like Dobson, rather took every opportunity to bad-mouth the likes of them for their own personal gains, and sadly, much loss to the children of God.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Indiana
Righteousness was a goal within the family that could then transfer into the church life, through children raised in the discipline and admonition of the Lord. "Godliness with contentment is great gain", both now and in the future saw both by Paul and Watchman Nee.
The latter's well-intentioned recommendation might work very well, or it might not; but compared to Moses' instruction, in a theocracy, for a rebellious child (Deuteronomy), it was a very mild suggestion.
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Moses did command that the rebellious child be put to death. Had my father been able to apply this commandment, I would not be alive today.
What a warning to children! Hopefully it never happened! Mercy triumphs over judgment!