Discipline: Bring It On!

Most of the time we have a negative view of discipline, probably because we abuse that responsibility too often. We see instances when kids are disciplined because they are simply annoying their parents and the parents react. Some go over board and embitter or actually abuse their kids, and some don't do much more than a slap on the hand at best. However, we should never look at the Lord's discipline as a negative thing! Discipline always has the goal of restoration and that is God's ultimate desire. Why? Because He loves you as His own!

"And have you forgotten the word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: My sons, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and punishes everyone He accepts as a Son."
Hebrews 12:5-6

Discipline is a good thing, so do not lose heart. Instead, humble yourself and learn from your mistakes. Think about it this way...If you were to discipline your child for some reason, how would you desire them to respond? Would you not desire them to recognize what they did as being wrong and learn from their mistakes? Absolutely! Its the same thing! We need to humble ourselves before the Lord and admit our failings, and learn from them. This is repentance! So discipline leads us toward repentance. God says...

"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline, so be earnest and repent!"
Rev. 3:19

Discipline is never easy, and it is not something we are to enjoy. It is a hardship that requires endurance, because God cares more about our holiness than our happiness.

"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."
Hebrews 12:11

So we can respond to the Lord's discipline by resisting God, determined to live life our own way, or we can humble ourselves, repent, and by trained by it...learn from our mistakes. Understand that discipline is a good thing but not a pleasant thing, and that resisting the Lord's discipline is self-defeating.

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