Discipline

“For whom the Lord loves He disciplines,
Just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.”
Proverbs 3:12 NASB

People speak often of being blessed. Everyone can, and should, count blessings in their lives on any given day. But, how often do we talk, or think, of being disciplined? How many people stand up to testify on Sunday and say;

“Praise God, I’m being reprimanded for my inequities!”

No one that I know does, myself included. We’re quick to be thankful for our blessings, but our transgressions tend to go unannounced. We shout for joy on top of the mountain, but are silent in the valley.

More than a few times in my walk I’ve been asked why bad things happen. My usual response is that we live in a fallen world filled with people who are free to choose to do good or bad things. And, to be honest, sometimes bad things just happen.

It can seem that there is no rhyme nor reason to any of it. Some experience so many negative events in their lives that they can feel their life is cursed. But, as Job endured when he faced his trials, we should strive to also.

“Behold, happy is the person whom God disciplines,
So do not reject the discipline of the Almighty.
For He inflicts pain, and gives relief;
He wounds, but His hands also heal.”
Job 5:17-18 NASB

There are those who don’t like the idea of Christianity, or any religion for that matter, because they don’t like the idea that life is a test. I don’t know that I would call life as we know it a “test” per se. But, I do see it as a means of God separating the wheat from the chaff. And, in doing so, there is some crushing that takes place.

It can be a hard pill to swallow, but salvation is a trophy that not everyone is going to get. This life can be difficult. People don’t always tell you that when evangelizing. Sometimes God blesses us, sometimes He disciplines us. But, why?

Well, God wants good and faithful servants, not lukewarm Christians. God and inequity can’t coexist in ones life. You’re either striving to live a holy life, or you’re not. If you’re not, then do you think you’re one of God’s chosen? In my opinion, I would say no. You have to be a follower after God’s own heart. Too many claim the label of Christianity without actually living it out in their daily lives.

We let the world distract us and draw our eyes off the cross easier than we should. Little by little we can be pulled away. I’ve experienced this in my own life and don’t care to admit it. Life gets busy at times. Daily bible readings turn into every other day, or once per week. Time between prayers gets stretched out a little more, and a little more. Desire to worship, turns into a burden. One day you can be on fire for God, and before you know it, you’re just another Sunday-only Christian.

When we being to faulter, we should expect some discipline. Not out of hate or malice, but out of love. Is it not for love that we discipline our children? If your child tries to run onto the highway, do you not scold them out of fear for their safety? If your child is rude, do you not chastise them so that they can be a welcome addition to society? This is similar to the way God disciplines us. As much as we may not like it, would you rather He not? Honestly? Surely you’ve seen children who experience no discipline in their lives. Do you think that is how God wants us to behave?

If we were all to go around doing whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted, would we not then be god’s unto ourselves? It’s important to remember that we aren’t to worship ourself, the creature, but God the creator. The life we live should be the life He wants for us. And, there are times we need correction in our lives.

Sometimes to produce good children, our father has to discipline us. Discipline shouldn’t be thought of as a bad thing, though. Think of the military, or a professional athletes. They all have discipline. They train, and work hard to become the best version of themselves as possible, which is what we should be doing daily as we take up our cross and follow Him.

“For the moment, all discipline seems not to be pleasant, but painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”
Hebrews 12:11 NASB

We may not like the hardships and trials we go through. But, we have to remind ourselves what we’re working towards. We have a race to finish, and a crown of victory to fight for. If a little discipline is what it takes to transform you into a good Christian soldier, would you not welcome it? Glory is at stake, after all.

If you find yourself in a time of discipline it is good to remember that life consists of peaks and valleys, and the valleys don’t last forever. As it is said, to have a testimony, you have to have a trial. Take this time to reflect on your life. Evaluate where you are spiritually. Dive into the word. Grow your prayer life. Remind yourself that seasons of discipline are ultimately for your benefit, and this too shall pass.

“Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. The one who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat with My Father on His throne.”
Revelation 3:19-21 NASB