God Disciplines His Children

"And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: '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. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. 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

I think this is a season of my life where I am enduring discipline from God. The true definition of discipline is not punishment, but rather teaching. However, these verses go on to say that the Lord punishes everyone he accepts as a son. There are times that I deserve far worse, I fear.

But, these verses start off reminding us of encouragement from the Lord. God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. What an awesome thought! 


Do you know someone who lacks discipline in their life? It permeates into everything they do, I think. I can name several. In thinking of them, though, I believe we often can judge others but fail to point the finger at ourselves. Do we lack discipline in an area of our lives? There are many times that I see young children and think, "If only their parents cared enough to discipline them when necessary, life would be easier for them...and for the parents!" Discipline is no easy task, though. We as earthly parents screw it up far too often with our sin nature. But, God gets it right every time. And He loves us more than we love our kids (which is hard for me to even fathom!). 


The last two verses really struck me. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Is eating healthier a pain to you? It feels like it to me right now! Is exercising fun to you? I'll admit that I'm sore and tired of waking up early just to put on my sneakers! But, we see a promise of God here...later on, it will produce what? A HARVEST of RIGHTEOUSNESS and PEACE for those who have been trained by it. What is producing this righteousness and peace? God's Word. If you've felt the rebuke from His Holy Spirit or His Word, He's showing You how much He loves you, child. He wants you to be the best you can be...like a parent only a far better one than any earthly relationship we have. Don't lose heart! You are a loved child of the Most High! You will see a harvest coming...and you can praise your Heavenly Father for it!


Dear God, forgive us when we've grumbled about Your discipline or felt rejected. Help us remember that You only train us because You love us. Lord, we need Your punishment in our lives if we're going to see the harvest come. Produce in us righteousness and peace...make us holy like You. Lord, help us make wise choices, practice self-control and learn to focus on You as part of this journey of losing weight. May our bodies be dwellings of the Holy Spirit, glorifying to You, Father God. May we feel loved today as Your precious child. In Jesus' name, AMEN!