Embracing Divine Discipline: Lessons of Love and Growth

You have probably gathered through these pages that we have four young children. We have two boys and two girls, each about two years older than the next. For a while, I had become relaxed in my discipline because I was at home with them all the time and wanted to give them chances so they could figure out the right thing to do. But after talking with a friend, she told me she used to be that way as well until she realized that little kids need to be given definite, consistent boundaries of what is right and wrong.

When she told me that, something clicked. While it is not any easier to discipline them because, honestly, I just want to love them into obedience, I now have a better understanding of why I must do it. I discipline them because I love them and I make sure they know that.

When I was little, I remember my mom telling me that disciplining me was harder on her than it was me. Of course, I didn't believe her at the time, but I respect her for it now because she did what she knew was right for me.

God is doing this same thing to us who are in His family. When you get some time, I encourage you to read Hebrews 12. There is so much goodness in that book. Hebrews 12:5-6 says, "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: My son, do not take the Lord's discipline lightly or faint when you are reproved by Him, for the Lord disciplines the one He loves and punishes every son He receives."

The passage goes on to say in verse 11 that "no discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

God is not callous to our pain through discipline and hard times. He is disciplining us for our good. We have to go through those to be our best selves, to be able to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong, and to know the difference between what God says we can do and what the world is urging us to do. He is disciplining us, teaching us, and transforming us.

How are you using your discipline to sharpen your relationship with Christ?

Perspectives into Practice:

I challenge you to notice that when God is or was disciplining you, it is as a loving correction instead of cruel punishment. God loves you so much, and He wants you to do what is right, but we all must be molded and shaped into the vision that our Heavenly Father has for each of us!