A "whip" is used by a shepherd to guide his sheep in the right direc…

The "rope" is used by shepherds to guide their sheep in the right direction and protect them from bears and wolves.

...As Psalm 23 says, "Your rod and your staff comfort me," it is not a tool to instill fear, but a symbol of authority and guidance that sets boundaries and leads to safety.

...Recently, children have been coming to church on Sundays.

While we are happy that they come,
...in reality, some children come only when it suits them.

...To children who are being neglected in terms of education (social norms, order, manners, rules, etc.):

The Bible most strongly warns against parents spoiling and neglecting their children!

…Leaving a child who cannot distinguish between right and wrong unchecked will ultimately lead that child to ruin (what the Bible calls "Hades/Hell"). 😰
…It is also translated as, "Not disciplining a child is the same as hating them,"…a strong warning.
…Proverbs 1:7.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
Fools despise wisdom and instruction."…😢
Fearing God as God produces the wisdom and knowledge that give life.

It is a very important foundation for educating children throughout the entire Bible.
…In life, "fearing God" is the starting point and the most important thing.
…When neighborhood children come to Sunday worship…I check on them.

"Why did you come to church?"
... A-kun: "I came to hear God's teachings."
"That's right! Keep it up."
... In a sense, it's about knowing where to behave. The education of children in the church's neighborhood... is now a part of the church's responsibility!
... When a church becomes neglectful... it loses order and becomes useless... 😨
... The whip... serves to protect from enemies, but... it also serves to restore order and guide people to a safe place!
... I sometimes take a strict stance with children...
What I've written above reflects my true feelings.
If the church can guide the children of the community... into children who fear God... children will grow up healthy.
Shalom 😄

This page archives a Morning Word message shared by Pastor Peter Sunagawa on LINE. The English prose is a translation of the Japanese source message. For Scripture wording, use the BSB link above.