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The Big D for today

by | Apr 15, 2021 | Genuine Hope | 0 comments

Today Patrina and I stopped in to briefly say hello to some friends in the “Big D”, that is Dallas, Texas, but today’s passage deals with an even bigger “D” in the form of discipline.

“Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Hebrews 12: 9-11

Here’s a suggestion. Take out your Bible and underline the word discipline in this passage. Then ask the question – What’s the big deal about discipline?

Yesterday we considered what discipline means to be loved as children of God, but going forward here’s a definition of discipline in the context of this passage I heard some time ago-

“Discipline is a painful circumstance allowed by God to change our conduct (what we do) and our character (who we are).”

What son is not disciplined by his father? I’ve been on both sides of this equation. My parents provided the structure in my life that disciplined my choices and my activities…for my good. And as parents, Patrina and I have done the same for our three kids. As imperfectly as we performed as parents, our goal was and is only for the good of our children.

Verse 10 tells us “they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.”

The Almighty, Holy, Sovereign God disciplines us for our good. Unlike a human parent, He does it perfectly. Every time.

Does the race set before you seem filled with obstacles? Are you questioning the pain of today? Doubting the reasons why? Questioning God’s judgment?

At one point in time or another, most of us have asked the question, but there is a great benefit for those “who have been trained” by God’s discipline – “peaceful fruit of righteousness”.

The passage speaks of a willingness to endure as sons who trust in the One who is for our good. Give that idea some thought today. What good is God trying to bring about in your life right now?

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