Accept Discipline

On our prayer walk at church,

“And have you forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: ‘My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because he disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.’” Hebrews 12:5-6(NIV)

               The writer of Hebrews reminds his readers of the writings of Solomon on the issue of discipline. I love this passage because it refers back to the thoughts of the wisest man in the world. In my Bible, the heading of Proverbs 3 tells me the thoughts that follow are “Further Benefits of Wisdom.” 

               Solomon carries the message that we should not dislike God’s dealing with us and we are not to dislike it when God chastises us. God is shaping our character because of His love for us—He loves us that much.

               I have not always cared to receive God’s discipline when I saw others doing things I felt were more shockingly offensive. Nevertheless, as I reflect on those times, I hear God saying, “But I wanted more for you than that. You belong to me. You are to stand for me.”

               Dear Father God: Thank you for loving me so much that You did not allow me to go along my merry way, doing things that looked good in my own eyes. Help me to live for You. Guide me as I go through each day and show me how You want me to live for You. I give You all the praise. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen   

Judgement and Discipline

 “But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgement. When we are judged by the LORD, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32 (NIV)

               Have you ever evaluated your actions or your attitude toward another person? Were your thoughts realistic? Or were they what you wanted them to be? Did you rationalize your stance, finding someone who had done worse deeds than you on which to pick?

               I once knew a young woman who thought of herself with an inflated mindset. It was not always in her best interests when she did this.  As I saw her do and say certain things, I wondered how she could mature if she kept this way of thinking.

               When God chastises us, it is definitely for our own good. We learn what He expects from us and what we are to do as we live for Him.

               God sets a standard for us. We cannot meet that norm by ourselves. He gave us Jesus so that we could become acceptable to Him.

               When God returns to judge the world for its sin, He will separate those who belong to Him from those who have rejected Him. Those He will reject will be dealt with on His terms, not theirs.