Discipline

 

Proverbs 3:11 (NET) - My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, and do not loathe his rebuke.

Children do not like to be disciplined.

As adults, we like it even less.

But discipline becomes necessary when we stop seeking wisdom.

It becomes necessary when we stray from the Lord.

The fact that this verse begins with “my child” speaks volumes.

When we are disciplined, we often act like children.

In fact, our initial response to discipline is often additional rebellion.

We may even view this as undue and unjust punishment.

Nothing could be farther from the truth.

The book of James reminds us of this.

James 3:17 (NET) - But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.

When God disciplines us, His motive is pure.

It is not derived from anger.

It is neither undue nor unjust.

It is simply a means of bringing us back to Him.

It is a means of bringing us to confession… both to ourselves as well as to God.

Granted, this is often not easy.

Then again, most worthwhile things in life rarely are.

On the bright side, we do not have to do this on our own.

We must first listen to His call to us and respond to it.

We must recognize our need for humility.

This leads us to confession and actual change.

Then we can walk harmoniously with God once again.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 6, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, August 13, 2021