Hebrews 12:10-11 (NIV)
10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.11 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.
Does anyone like discipline? Why does a parent discipline their child? Is it just to be mean? Or could it be that the discipline was for our good? Discipline teaches us which way we should go and removes our rough edges. Since God knows what is best for us, His discipline will ultimately lead to a more blessed life. There are many examples of discipline in the Bible which show us how it has helped many. Joel Osteen said “The pain of discipline is much less than the pain of regret. It is better to be uncomfortable for a little while than to make a poor choice and be uncomfortable for a very long time.” Parents who do not discipline their children are setting them up for a life of pain.
How do respond to discipline? Are you angry or do you accept it as training you for a life of righteousness and peace? Without discipline, there is chaos. We need to know right from wrong. We need rules to guide our lives. Learning God’s ways is an important part of living well. If you are a parent, do you want your children to live a blessed life? What things will you teach them to guide them on that path? Discipline does not have to be harsh. You can teach truths with stories in advance so your child will know what to do in a particular situation. Teaching them shows them you love them. You did teach them not to touch something hot, didn’t you? Why? Because you care.
So when you find yourself prevented from doing something you wanted to do, will you ask yourself “what am I supposed to learn here or will you show frustration? Life is full of lessons. Will you learn them? If God prevents what you perceive as an opportunity, you know it is for your good. Be still and observe. Try to learn the lesson. God loves you too much to answer certain prayers with a yes. Better or bitter. You decide!
Father, we all get angry and frustrated when we don’t get our own way. Help us to see Your hand in things so we can understand why and learn to make better choices. Help us to see these things as lessons and not discipline. Help us to remember that discipline is showing love; that it is for our good. In your name we pray!