Dads and Moms, do you ever have those moments when your child disobeys, it's time to give them a spanking, and you think, "How can I use this discipline to send a strong message of the gospel into my child's heart?"

A smarting message? Yes. One that lasts? That's hard to do. But two nights ago I stumbled across a method that illustrated a picture of the gospel more vividly than any discipline scenario I've encountered. Audrey disobeyed and was due for eight swats.

Before I continue—for those who cringe at the thought of spankings, even equating them with abuse, please know that these are always done on the posterior side of the anatomy with control and compassion. The Bible teaches spankings as a tool of love and training and says that one who does not spank his child actually hates him (Prov 13:24). At age four, Audrey walked up to me, threw her dangly arms around my neck and said, "Thank you for spanking me." This was a new one. "Why?" I asked. "Because I know that you do it because you love me." Audrey had a friend who never received any form of discipline from her parents. This friend once told Audrey, "You're lucky that your Dad and Mom spank you. I wish my parents did that sometimes."

Back to the story. As I explained to Audrey why she was getting a spanking, an idea hit me. I turned to our three other children standing there  and said, "If anyone wants to take some of the swats for Audrey, you may." I explained that this is what Jesus did for us: He suffered God's wrath that was due us. Josiah raised his hand, "I"ll take three." After careful contemplation, Elijah raised his chubby fingers, "I'll take one." Atalie declined with a disturbed look. I didn't force them or even let them feel guilty for taking fewer or none. I wanted the desire to come from their heart. 

So instead of getting eight swats, Audrey received only four. Never have I seen more tears of compassion amongst our three oldest children! After I delivered the honors, they all hugged each other and cried. Then the group hug waddled my way and pulled me into the hug, followed by a group collapse and hysterical laughter. 

I think a family tradition is starting. We'll see what God does with it...