No one likes discipline (at least not anyone I've ever met) myself included . In our culture discipline has a negative connotation but discipline is simply described as training that corrects or molds. As individuals, we require discipline throughout our lifetimes. We must also become disciplined in both body and soul--physical and spiritual aspects. Discipline requires balance and is learned--it is not a natural response.
As a parent, disciplining is a necessary part of the job but I never liked to do it. I always thought it was the dad's job to discipline. That would work great except there was no dad in our household. I was the mom & dad. I read Proverbs 13:25, He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. And Proverbs 19:18 "Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death." I learned to discipline because I loved my daughter.
This process of disciplining my daughter helped me to better understand God's discipline of me. Deuteronomy 8:5 tells us, "Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you." And Hebrews 12:10-11, Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Did you catch that? He disciplines us for our own good (which is what we do for our kids) BUT on top of that, we get to share in His holiness. Let that rest on you for a minute. All the struggles, the wrong turns, the sin--ALL of it (once repented and corrected of course) allows us to share in God's holiness. He is so marvelous. Even though He disciplines us, in the end He rewards us for turning back to Him and receiving His correction--incomprehensible!!! "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty." Job 15:7 Revelation 3:19 says, "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent."
Proverbs has alot to say about discipline--here are just a few-- Proverbs 12:1, Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. Proverbs 10: 17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. Proverbs 5:23, He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.
May you find gladness in your discipline from the Lord--I know I will!
