“My child, don’t ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children.” Hebrews 12:5-6
It was the dreaded words my mom would say.”When your dad gets home, you are getting a spanking” “Oh no, please mama, please we will be good, we will stop arguing and talking back, please don’t tell dad!” My sisters and I would say. And to make it worse she would make us sit on the couch until he got home. Can you say miserable?
So there we were sitting on the couch and we would see him pull up and immediately the tears and begging began. He would walk in and say three words.”Get the belt” “ Awe, please daddy we are so sorry. We won’t do it again (yay right).” But it didn’t make a difference, no matter how much we begged or how much we cried he ALWAYS followed through!
I am 31 years old and when I think back on those moments it still puts knots in my tummy! But can I tell you my brothers and sisters, today at 31, I am so glad I had two parents who loved me so much they believed in discipline. My sisters and I know we are better people today because of the discipline (yes the spankings!) we received. Though it hurt and we felt they were to strict, we knew and know today we were loved.
Number 11 on our list of things to crave-Discipline
Jesus’ discipline comes from the Word of God, and there is not a day that goes by that I am not disciplined by my heavenly Father, and I am so thankful to be so loved and accepted as His child.
I believe that is why some people don’t read the Word more or go to church more, because they don’t want to be disciplined, corrected, and or punished for the actions and choices they make. I mean really, who wants to be corrected and punished? No one, but we have to look at it from the Lord’s perspective. And that is those of whom he does correct, discipline and punish are those of whom He loves!
My child you are loved! You are loved so much by the Father who created you that He desires for you to learn, grow, and to mature spiritually.
That is why I love our passage today! Every time I read it I smile because I am so thankful that I have a Father who wants me to be the very best I can be. He wants so much for me to be joyful, successful, pure and holy like Him. He wants nothing to harm or hurt me!
Are you running from discipline? Turn to Jesus today, yes there will be times it hurts, burns, and makes you angry, but I promise it will result in a deeper love relationship between you and Christ.
Prayer: Jesus I will take being disciplined by You every day of the week, because I know it results in growth and it reveals how deep Your love is for me. Thank You! Amen
