“For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose].”
Hebrews 12:11 AMP
Grace Perspective:
Chastisement, instruction, and nurture are words that describe what discipline means. The author of Hebrews highlights the pain and purpose that comes from discipline. Pain because it doesn’t feel good. Purpose because discipline trains us to turn away from the sin that harms us.
When we are afflicted for doing what’s wrong, God wants us to turn from it. He wants to get our attention, so we turn back to Him and do what is right. Discipline is not pleasant, but if it turns us away from a path that will bring deeper pain and harsher consequences, we are wise to yield to God’s chastening and see that His gracious discipline will train us in the way we should go.
A Touch of Grace:
How do you see discipline?
How does your perspective line up with God’s?
Grace Application:
Discipline is not fun. When I was young, my parents used different levels of discipline to teach me right from wrong. Then, depending on what I needed to learn, they would either take away a favorite toy or spank me if I was really out of line. As I became an adult, discipline came in other forms, usually with weightier consequences.
As a child, discipline often comes quickly after being disobedient. However, as an adult, it may take longer to feel the effects of disobedience. For example, we may choose to live apart from God, doing our own thing, going our own way, not trusting God’s word that has clear directions for living (like not lying, gossiping, hating others, or taking revenge, to name a few). As a result, we may find ourselves in a place we never imagined we’d be in (like a pit). When we think we know better than God, we’re setting ourselves up for some significant discipline.
God’s discipline is not condemnation. He’s not punishing us but teaching us that sin will only bring deeper pain if we continue. He is a good Father that wants His children to bear the sweet fruit of righteousness. His discipline is given to instruct and nurture us so we are strengthened and encouraged as He prepares us for eternity with Him. So as you feel His gracious discipline, remember that though it is painful, its purpose is to help you yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Prayer
Gracious Father, I come in the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, thankful that You discipline me. I am prone to wander from the path You have set for me and need Your correction. Your ways are not my ways, and Your gracious discipline reminds me to seek Your will and follow it. Holy Spirit, help me to yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Amen.
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**