Christians, no one over the age of 18 (or really, under the age of 18 either) likes to be “disciplined”. We essentially grow up to become disciplinarians, parents, bosses, and authority figures, etc. When we are disciplined as children, we think it is unfair, that it is unnecessary, that if our parents truly loved us, they would not discipline us at all. Well, we have it all backwards.
As Christians, we find out that whether we are 18, 38 or 88 when we get saved, God adopts us as His own and guess what: He disciplines us. We realize that although we are older, we are still under His authority and that there are rules and regulations, consequences for disobedience and rebellion, as well as rewards for obedience and humility.
In Hebrews, God talks about how He loves us and that is why He disciplines us and that no discipline is pleasant at the time, but painful. Later though, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace. Let me tell you, personally from being on the receiving end of discipline, both from earthly parents as well as my heavenly father: it is painful at the time and not pleasant. It is not meant to be, it’s meant to disrupt our lives in such a way that we get shaken out of whatever mind groove we are forming and have to make a decision:
My Set of actions (A) led me to results (A) – which was unpleasant discipline. If I do actions (A) again, I will get results (A) again, it is NOT WORTH doing those actions! I think I will choose another path.
The best part is, whatever actions God steers us away from are for our own good. He loves us so much that He guides us with His omnipotent power away from all the bad, avoidable outcomes and toward favorable outcomes! (If we allow Him, He gave us free will choice). Do not just think physically or you will get sucked into the vortex of “why do bad things happen to good Christians”, but rather look to the spiritual, that God is setting us up for eternity, the best positions, the best rewards possible.
He loves us as sons and daughters! Let Him discipline you, as difficult and painful as it is, He is doing it for your good. You may not see it for 6 months, 6 years, 60 years, or even in this lifetime. When you stand before Him at the white throne judgement and He says “well done my good and faithful servant, enter in…” you will see and fully understand His loving discipline. In Jesus Name, Amen.
No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Hebrews 12:11 (NLT)
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. Proverbs 12:1 (NIV)
Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. Proverbs 13:24 (NIV)
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent His rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son He delights in. Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV)
written and posted by Daniel Poggensee | 2020
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