"Deserving Discipline"

Sitting in a corner, loosing our favorite toy, being grounded and having a curfew. These are familiar stages of the “dreaded discipline” that many of us experienced as a child. It is what we grew up with, and it is what we did not always seem to understand.

However, some children do not have the privilege of receiving discipline. Permissive parenting happens to many children, and the effects are damaging. Inconsistent rules, neglect, enabling behaviors and even abuse are taking place at this very moment. Unfortunately, these children typically grow up with no concept of authority and no appreciation for rules or boundaries.

When we receive discipline, it means that someone wants to invest their time into us for our own good. Our Heavenly Father, the Holy and Mighty One, has created an intimate parent-child relationship from the beginning of time. “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 (Hebrews 12: 5-6).” The LORD wants to discipline His children, because He will not let us be neglected. He will not be disengaged. Our Father wants to shield us from the world and provide us with the love and knowledge to make good choices that will better our lives.

It is heart breaking to see children that are wrapped in confusion. They fend for themselves and do not know the difference between right and wrong. They have not grasped that correction can come from compassion. God does not want us to experience this inconsistency. He has said, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).”

“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 12:11).” How does it make you feel to know that our great big God takes time each day to mold us into His precious creation? How does He correct you? How does He show His love to you on a daily basis? Believe in your heart that you deserve His discipline.