But I Don’t Like to be Disciplined!

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Scripture:

Heb. 12:10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness.

Observation:

Parents discipline their children so that they can learn to live in a healthy way in this world.  As most parents know there is only a window of opportunity while raising our children that they can be disciplined.  Eventually they will reach an age where they are independent and they choose to live or not live within the parameters that they have received from their parents.  However, as a follower of Jesus Christ we continue to be disciplined by God throughout our entire lives.  Just as our earthly parents discipline us to teach us the direction of life, so our heavenly Father disciplines us for our good, so that we may be partakers of his holiness. 

Application:

I’m guessing that none of us is particularly fond of being disciplined.  Most of the time discipline implies the fact that we have gotten a bit off track and we need some correction.  The older I get, more than likely the way off the path is not necessarily a big blatant sin, but it certainly can be an offense in my attitude or reaction.  It becomes easier and easier to become set in our ways and critical of others around us.  Is this truly a Christ-like attitude? 

This brings us to the question of holiness!  The call for all of God’s people is to be his holy people, to remain on the highway of holiness.  Because of this we are invited to share in God’s holiness, becoming partakers of the divine nature.  Every day of our journey we are to become more and more like him so that we reveal his nature and become a reflection of his image the closer that we draw to him. 

Unfortunately when we refuse to respond to his correction and discipline we get side-lined or distracted from the way of holiness.  Instead of becoming more and more like him we can become rigid and inflexible, demanding our own way in life.  God desires his people to have a genuine and transparent heart that is continually willing to be formed and transformed throughout life.  No, for the most part we don’t like to be disciplined, but if refuse to be disciplined we will not be able to share in God’s holiness, and therefore we will miss the mark, not reaching the goal of Christ.

Prayer:

Lord, please help me be willing to be disciplined by you.  Amen.

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