Learn From Discipline

WE DON'T ENJOY BEING DISCIPLINED. IT ALWAYS SEEMS TO CAUSE MORE PAIN THAN JOY. BUT LATER ON, THOSE WHO LEARN FROM THAT DISCIPLINE HAVE PEACE THAT COMES FROM DOING WHAT IS RIGHT. Hebrews 12.11.

Indiscipline is the mark of the age! Today’s parents have stopped disciplining their children like their parents did to them. The reason: ‘Disciplining will only harm children and inhibit the natural development of the child!’ “Who said that”? The psychologist who probably doesn’t believe in God and thinks that his theory is better than God’s command!

Hence children from infancy are growing up undisciplined and unruly. Visit homes, supermarkets, restaurants or playgrounds and watch the children. They yell, shout, run around wildly and fight with one another. The parents either watch them unconcerned or stand helplessly as the children blatantly disobey their instructions.

Today’s Scripture passage clearly teaches us that whether we discipline our children or not, God will not stop disciplining you and I, His children. Hear what the Lord says, "My child, pay attention when the Lord disciplines you. Don't give up when he corrects you. The Lord disciplines everyone he loves. He severely disciplines everyone he accepts as his child. Endure your discipline. God corrects you as a father corrects his children. All children are disciplined by their fathers. If you aren't disciplined like the other children, you aren't part of the family / you are illegitimate (some versions)” (vs 6-8).

Dear child of God, be sure, the Lord will discipline you! He is not a doting father! He said, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him” (Pro 13.24). He practises what He taught us to do! God doesn’t read today’s psychology magazines from around the world. He doesn't listen to man’s theories whether Christian or secular! God plainly tells us why He disciplines us and allows us to suffer. “God disciplines us for our own good so that we can become holy like him” (v.11). God disciplines us when we do wrong. Suffering causes us to search ourselves to see if we have gone wrong. It drives us to confession and repentance if we have sinned. Sometimes God disciplines us so that we will keep close to Him and not go astray.

I would to God that you and I may use our trials, no matter what kind and how hard, to seek God and draw closer to Him. If we do that, no suffering will be meaningless or unprofitable! So take heart! Just as you are disciplined by God because you are His child and He loves you, discipline your children as parents who love them! If you do not do to your children what God does to you, don't blame God for their indiscipline!

Pray and practise with me: Dear Lord, help me to find meaning in my suffering and pain. May they be the means to draw me closer to you. May they make me more holy. Help me to discipline my children just as You discipline me. Amen.