God-like or Christ-like?

I've heard Christian parents say that in punishing (specifically spanking) their kids they are being more like God. Especially God as He is portrayed in the Old Testament. But is that model the one we are called to emulate?

If I recall correctly, my bible says we are called to be Christ-like. Did Christ spank anyone? Ever? Did he levy any punishments to 'teach' his children? NO!

There's a lesson to be learned here. And it's no small deal. If we are to be emulating Christ - and Christ dealt with grace and mercy throughout his entire visit Earthside - then maybe we are to be doing the same.

The only exception I can come up with to a rule of grace and mercy when dealing with our children is the incident with the money changers in the temple. Christ was furious that they were keeping people from God. ['member them? They were charging people exorbitant rates to upgrade their offerings to God. They were stopping poor people before going into the temple and talking smack about their offerings.] There's a verse that I think might illuminate the link here: Colossians 3:21 "Fathers, do not embitter your children." Here's a list of translations. There's a theme. Being hard on your children to 'teach them a lesson' is not God's plan for you as a parent. It isn't.

When Christ interacted with people who had major lessons to learn, He loved them. As a matter of fact, Christ called that the second greatest commandment. To love others as you love yourself. (Mark 22:34-40) Would you love your husband for smacking you if dinner wasn't right? Would you love him for withholding food all night because you didn't finish your dinner? Sounds like spousal abuse doesn't it? Even spiritual abuse, if it is done 'in the name of God' or to please God or to teach someone about God.

Why do we do this to our kids? Because someone tells us to?

Where are all the authors of Christian parenting books getting this stuff anyway? They don't back up their claims with bible verses (except with the occasional out of context and misunderstood Proverb), they don't use research from the fields of child development or psychology, so what in the world are they really talking about?

It doesn't matter. What matters is the day we stand before God. Each one of us will answer for our actions here on Earth and when I stand before God, I want to honestly say I did my best. I want to say that I did not back away from an ideal because it might be hard. Yes, changing your parenting is hard. Changing your habits is hard. But we are not called to do what is easy, we are called to be Christ like.