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. (Heb. 12:10)
AS A PARENT, I did not enjoy disciplining my children. Even though they sometimes made me angry and deserved some sort of punishment, it didn’t come easy for me. Each time I hesitated, I had to ask myself what kind of adults I wanted them to be. I longed for them to be productive, kind, and responsible when they grew up. That was enough to motivate me to discipline with a right heart.
God’s discipline pours from love of the purest kind. His plan for us is perfected only when we fit the mold of His design for our lives. In order to shape us to fit, He must teach us and turn us from the destructive patterns we so easily adopt. His aim is to make all things work for good and for His glory. We are shown the right path and given the free will to choose it. When we choose something else, God still does not give up on us. But He stands by His standards, and exercises His prerogative as our Father to discipline our choice.
Sharing in His holiness is our motivation to stay within His plan. It’s a reward we never deserve, yet He offers it even though we disobey. His love covers it all, leading us through each lesson with a gentle hand.
Accept the discipline of God with a grateful heart.
Jan Cline is an author and speaker from the Northwest. She is also director of the Inland NW Christian Writers conference.
