God's Discipline

Those of us who have children know and understand that when we give our children instruction and direction we expect them to be obedient. We try to be good leaders and guide them along the right path for their life and hope that they make the right decisions. We warn them of danger because we know the consequences that await them. There will be times when our children are disobedient or make the wrong choices. Sometimes we are merciful and lenient when disciplining them. Then there are other times where the offense requires a more serious punishment. Either way we know that as parents, if we love our children, then we will not spare the rod of discipline. We must be diligent to discipline and punish them while they are young for their own good. (Proverbs 13:24)

Almighty God is our Heavenly Father who lovingly leads and guides us down the right path for our lives. He has given us His Word which gives us direction and instruction on how to live successful Christian lives and bring glory to His name. His Word teaches us about His grace and mercy. We have seen for ourselves how truly awesome, loving, merciful, and forgiving our Heavenly Father is. We know that He is patient and slow to anger. However, we must not forget or be ignorant to the truth that God will discipline us if we are repeatedly disobedient to His Word.

“My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when He corrects you. For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child whom he delights.” (Proverbs 3:11-12)

“Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the Lord your God disciplines you for your own good.” (Deuteronomy 8:5)

“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. 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)

God’s Word is not to be taken lightly. We are not only to meditate on how merciful and forgiving our Lord is, but we must think about how sovereign and holy He is. We must have a reverential fear for God and obey his commands. We are called to be holy in all that we do.

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written; ‘Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:14-16)

Lord, we long to please you. Please forgive us if we have been ignoring your Word. Create in us a clean heart. We know that you discipline us because you love us and want to keep us on the narrow road. Thank you forgiving us. Thank you for your mercy and grace. In Jesus name..Amen.