Hebrews 12:10-11 NIV
“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.”
Without question, one of the vivid childhood memories we all possess is of our parents or guardians disciplining us. While the intentions of our parents in disciplining us may have been mean or otherwise, we still “respected them for it” (Heb 12:9 NIV). Having come of age, indeed, we now know better and are so grateful that we went through those character-shaping moments. As long as there is a parent-child relationship based on true love, there will always be a need for discipline because children don’t always know better. In fact, the Scripture says, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him” (Pro 13:24 NIV).
True as that is with our earthly relationships, it is even more serious with our spiritual relationship with the heavenly Father. Our text of reference observes that “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.” Hallelujah! Yes, God loves us in Christ so much that He will not keep arms-folded when there is need for discipline in our lives. The Word says, “…the Lord disciplines those he loves” (Heb 12:6 NIV). ‘How can I then differentiate between God’s discipline and the hand of the devil?’, one may ask.
Thankfully, our text gives the answer. Firstly, whatever is from God will end up for your “good”, and it brings a sense of godliness, a consecration to holiness at the end of it all. Secondly, when God is behind it, the discipline will produce a fruit of “righteousness and peace”—both of which are godly virtues. Short of those indicators, employ the weapons of spiritual warfare without delay! ‘So, what should I do when I realise that it is the Lord disciplining me?’ Well, the Lord Himself told us what to do: “Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I rebuke and discipline [showing them their faults and instructing them]; so be enthusiastic and repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, your sinful behavior—seek God’s will]” (Rev 3:19 AMP). Hallelujah!
Pst. Emmanuel