Daily Companion | 30 January
THE YOKE OF THE YOUTH
“It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.” - Lamentations 3:27
Many years ago, a young boy grew up under his father's firm hand. His father was a hardworking farmer and devout Christian who often rose before dawn and expected the same from his children. The boy was assigned daily chores: fetching water, and helping in the farm. No excuses, no shortcuts. When he complained or slacked, correction came swiftly: a stern word, extra tasks, or the occasional rod. It felt harsh to the young boy; friends played freely while he laboured. Years later, he left the village for university in Lagos. Amid temptations, peer pressure, and independence, the discipline instilled in him held firm. He chose integrity, excelled in studies, and grew deep in faith. Today, as a successful engineer and father, he testifies: “The yoke my father placed on me in youth taught me self-control, perseverance, and reverence for God. It was hard then, but it prepared me for a blessed life now.”
Beloved parents and children, hear this encouragement: disciplined upbringing, though it may seem burdensome in the moment, is God's loving design for lasting good. The wise man declares, “It is good for a man that he bears the yoke in his youth” (Lamentations 3:27). The yoke are rules, correction, responsibility. It builds strength, character, and godliness early, when hearts are most moldable.
Faithful training plants seeds that bear fruit for a lifetime. The Bible reminds us that earthly parental discipline is good, godly discipline that mirrors our heavenly Father's chastisement (Hebrews 12:9–10). Although, sometimes painful but always purposeful, it aimed at holiness and life. Hear what David said, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes” (Psalm 119:67, 71). Affliction and correction turn wandering hearts back to God's ways.
Dear parents, correct with caution and charity without violence or abuse. Do not weary in loving firmness. Your efforts, when surrendered to God, shape the destinies of your children.
Dear children and youths, humble yourselves under correction: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). The today's yoke leads to freedom and blessing tomorrow. Embrace the training and discipline. It is good. It is godly. It leads to life. And one day you will grow up to train your own children too.
Today’s Recite: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)
Today’s Morning Prayers: O God, I thank You for the gift of discipline that shapes us for Your glory. Help parents to train children with love, wisdom, and consistency, never growing weary. Give children humble hearts to receive correction and see it as Your hand guiding them. Let the yoke of youth produce character, holiness, and faithfulness. Fulfill Your thoughts of peace toward our families, leading us to the expected end You have planned. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
Today Hymn: TRUST AND OBEY
Today ReadMe: Numbers 14 – 18
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