Parents (most, well some) know that discipline at an early age curbs some behavior problems in later years. The child is to immature to see that it is for their own good, as well as for future relationships. The development of children and in changing adult behavior will be a "cutting the issues off at the pass." Deleting many of the issues and circumstances of an untrained lifestyle.
In our own lives we hope to be growing and maturing. On the other hand we have, or know someone that stopped investing in themselves much less others. The result often is to flow through life later bouncing off one circumstance to another.
The Bible calls it being tossed to and fro. A Christians lifestyle can be ordered and submitted to the loving teachings/doctrines of God's Word. Many a Christian either untrained or distracted from quiet time of prayer and reading God's word soon find themselves throwing toddler like tantrums or falling for an incorrect teaching or secular worldview. The term "selfie" comes to mind.
So let us draw near to God and He will draw near to us. The Bible also directs us to have our minds set on the things above because our citizenship is in His kingdom! Then we will shine in a dark world, giving God glory!
"As you therefore have received Christ the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." Colossians 2:6,7.
"Chasten your son while there is still hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction." Proverbs 19:18.
"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:3,4.
"He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses instruction goes astray." Proverbs10: 17.
