Discipline

“As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

The D word. How we want to avoid discipline! When I was younger, my parents could just give me “the look” and I’d start crying.

Loving parents discipline us to protect us from harm and to help us grow to be the best versions of ourselves. The Lord is Father over all of His children and He will do the same.

We all have areas in our lives where we know what we are to do, yet we choose to be disobedient by not following through. We’re not connecting with the Lord in this area, not asking for His guidance and discipline.

Hebrews 12:11 says, “No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

As we mature in our Christian life, we are called to become more self-controlled. That means listening to the Lord and being accountable to Him, ourselves, and others whom we trust to guide us in the right direction. When we get off course or make poor decisions, we can repent by changing our actions and become disciplined again.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for Your loving protection through discipline. Your ways are good. Please help us to learn to follow You in all areas of our lives. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Journal: Where are you struggling with a lack of discipline? In what area can you begin to change today?