Discipline and Correction?

 "My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
12For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights".                            Proverbs 3:11-12   NLT

To learn we must love and accept discipline. But who likes it? Not many, I'm sure, but it is rather unwise to hate or disobey this. We acknowledge the Lord by submitting to His discipline but, we often tend to think of discipline as a means of punishment. It is though, the correct way of training a child and that includes ourselves (don't forget we are children of the Lord). 

Discipline is a form of love not anger; and correction is a proof of sonship (Heb12:6-8). Look how a gardener takes loving care pruning grapevines and beautiful bushes but, he leaves the thistles and such.

As much as we think we know everything, God shows us time and again that we don't. At times it feels like God is leading us backwards instead of forward. When this happens, there is always a reason. We don't know everything but, God does, so we must trust Him.

Don't be like The Prodigal Son in Luke 15. He was the younger of two sons and one day, he told his father that he would like his share of the estate  before his father died. He agreed to do this and divided this between both his sons. After a day or two, the younger son set off to enjoy a new life. It was wonderful at first and because he had money, he was the centre of attention with everyone he met, partying most nights and having fun that he had never been used to. Sadly, there came a time when his funds ran out and he had to take a job to live. He even ate pig's food because he was so hungry. After a while, he came to his senses and returned to the family home. He was welcomed back by his father but, if he had not left and taken the inheritance, he would have had that to look forward to in the future. A lesson learned.

Peter was no different. Jesus had predicted that Peter would denying Him three times before the cock crowed. Peter denied this could ever happen - he would always be faithful to Jesus. However, as recorded in Luke 22:54-62, he did just that. To save his own skin when Jesus had been arrested, several people had said they had seen him with Jesus but he denied this on three occasions. The last one, Jesus looked around at him as if to say, 'I told you so.' Peter went away in total pieces. Like the Prodigal, Peter knew best and he paid heavily for this. He was full of guilt as he realised that he had thrown his ministry away and deserted the one he loved the most.

We all make mistakes and we all need discipline and correction to avoid making these wrong turns in life. They don't feel good at the time but, we all need them so that we can be a better model of Jesus.

How are you with discipline and correction and also being accountable? 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
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