When I was a child, I didn’t like being disciplined, whether it was a smack on my hand, a swat on my backside, or that solemn talking-to. I didn’t like any of them. At all.
However, the love that initiated those moments of denial was fierce and determined that I would grow into a woman of worth. My parents were set on me learning right from wrong, and they loved me too much to leave me wading in and out of truth.
Now I live in that peace of knowing right from wrong, not having to question whether to do that thing that looks so tempting. My memory of painful disciple reminds me that that is not a good choice.
When God disciplines us, it hurts. There we were, merrily headed down our path and enjoying it, then God reminded us what He had said about taking that path and disciplined us.
Ooh-wee! That wasn’t fun!
It is that discipline, though, that brings us back into line with God’s will and into righteousness (right standing with God).
It is in that righteousness that we experience the peaceful harvest that comes from walking in His will.
The Amplified Bible translates the original language: “For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness–in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God].”
Believer, if you’re in a time of discipline, stop resisting it. Ask God to clearly show you what you need to change. He’s not doing it to be a gigantic cosmic bully. He loves you beyond description and wants the best for you and from you.
When you learn what you’re being disciplined for, make the changes necessary. Agree with Him that it’s wrong, turn from it, and get on with following Him, not you.
Then you can enjoy that harvest. Enjoy being in conformity to God’s will. Enjoy seeing how the righteousness in your life affects the lives of others, offering you the chance to tell them about the difference God makes in your life.
Enjoy God.
Coffee, Bible, Journal.
