Our Father's Discipline

"And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: 
'My son, 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 he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.'

Endure hardship as discipline;  God is treating you as sons.  For what son is not disciplined by his father?  If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.  Moreover, we have  all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it.  How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!  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."  Hebrews 12:5-11

Today is Father's Day (Happy Father's Day Daddy!) - a day on which we honor and celebrate our earthly fathers.  However, today I want to study a father's discipline and specifically our heavenly Father's discipline.

Meaning of discipline - training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.  A rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity.  Punishment, chastisement, correction, persuasion (source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary). 

There are two wrong extremes to discipline:

1. Too much discipline or the wrong form of discipline that is void of love.

In this first extreme example "discipline" becomes abusive- it could be physical or verbal/mental/emotional.  When punishment causes terror or causes one to flee or cower in a corner - that is too much.  When using this type of extreme punishment a child (or person) never really learns what is right & wrong - they simply avoid doing what will cause them to get beat up.  True training and teaching is all about love with the child's best interest in mind. 

2.  Too little discipline or almost none at all.

In this opposite extreme the child becomes confused and gets away with everything.  This example seems to be the modern way of disciplining where a parent can never say the word "no" - everything has to be positive and everything is acceptable.  Nobody can learn what is right & wrong if they have never failed & if they have never had to try again.  Also, if everything that a child does is acceptable where is the motivation to excel and try harder the next time? - to be the best that you can be?  How will a child deal with criticism & failure in adulthood if their parents only ever told them that they were perfect all the time?

"The Lord discipline's those he loves" - remember that next time you are struggling with a hardship - God loves you!

Discipline is not easy for parents but It's also about the attitude of the child (or adult) who is receiving discipline. 

-"Do not make light of the Lord's discipline"

-"Do not lose heart when He rebukes you"

-"Endure hardship as discipline"

-"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful."

-".....we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it." 

So, don't get discouraged, don't make fun of or mock, endure the punishment and most importantly Respect God!!

Remember that you are a child of God and He loves you!! - Learn from your mistakes, take the punishment & respect God all the time.

 

Copyright, Permissions &Disclaimer

______________________________

"Prayer Warriors United" is a google+ Community where Christians come together in prayer. 

Click HERE to view or join this community

If you need prayer please fill out this