Discipline

Do you remember certain times when you did something wrong (willfully or ignorantly) and your parents dealt with you? Well, they did that for your own good to educate you in such a way that you'd become a compliant child.

Discipline is a term related to "disciple", which means a learner, a follower of the doctrines of another. When it comes to the Lord, if we are saved in obedience to His word, then we are His disciples. Like any other parent, the Father deals with us like His sons, as a Good Parent Who wants to correct us.

Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

This is one of many instances in the Bible which deals with the life of a Christian and certain consequences throughout their life here. I believe you would agree with me that it is better to be saved and chastened by God other than burn an eternity in Hell.

Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

Don't think that if you are saved things are going to be the best along the run; they are going to get better and easier because you become stronger, but they won't be perfect. There are some main ways through which God chooses to deal with His children,

1) Through His word

It usually occurs during church services, preaching, Bible teachings, or people correcting you. A preacher is called to take up the sword, point it to people, making them uncomfortable,

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Basically, it can be either way: the Bible condemns people to eternal punishment or to everlasting life. There is no middle-ground between the two like other false doctrines teach.

2) Through trials, unpleasant circumstances

God never promises things are going to be easier as we get saved; He knows we are not perfect, so He wants to conform us to the image of His Beloved Son,

Hebrews 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

We might be dealing with certain situations which are not pleasant for us to be in, or confront with some personal problems, different trials, heartaches, tears, suffering, but there is a reason. It is a good sign for a believer: God wants to BUILD UP A CHARACTER IN US, to learn from Him, to keep us in His word, to keep us moving towards Him. Maybe you might not like the circumstances you might be dealing with, but walking with the Lord is going to make things so much easier to handle. Christians will forever have trials of different sorts, so do not feel discouraged. Turn to Him everything you are going through! The main point of the chastening is for God to bring us down, to humble us, to give us a meek heart, to form a quiet spirit. If you endure, he gives you solutions; you'd know He is there in mercy and truth. Paul dealt with this issue, yet with the right attitude and a perfect heart, not despising God chastening him,

2 Corinthians 12:7-8 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

Why did Paul talk about the "thorn" in the flesh, about the "messenger of Satan", and at the same time looking to God? Because he, like us, was tempted. Therefore, here comes in the picture our third approach which God applies in our lives,

3) Temptations

Why temptations? Generally, as people, we tend to show off instinctively with or without being aware of it. Nevertheless, our main focus should be God, seeking to please Him.

He tries us to grow us strong in faith, to seek for solutions to our problems to Him so that we deal with more and heavier burdens along the run, since things can be hard.

Recall the passage when Jesus washed His disciples' feet,

John 13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Here comes the interesting part: when Simon Peter's turn takes place, he is very fast in adding something,

John 13:6-7 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

Notice how Peter is so confident in correcting the Lord for the example He is giving the disciples,

John 13:8-10 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

Jesus was teaching a lesson of humility, of denying yourself whatever the circumstance. Why not cleaning the hands and the head, as Peter suggested? Because the Lord knew that the feet were the ones which were getting dirty the fastest: wearing sandals, lots of dust, having direct contact with the ground. So we should move on in temptations, it is the way in which God deals with us, cleanses us, corrects us NOW and IN THE FUTURE as long as we live here,

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Following God's calling is not an easy task for a person, especially when their path is full of trials. Nonetheless, our duty is to do whatever He wants us to whether we like it or not, whether we want it or not. You might confront with situations in which you might feel lonely in your calling, standing for whatever God appointed for you in spite of the circumstances, in spite of people. You HAVE TO DO IT! He wants to build up your character. HE HAS NEVER GIVEN UP ON HIS CHILDREN!

Hebrews 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

If God does not deal with you, then there is a problem. Any father chastens his children for correction. Be acquiescent, listen to God, read His word, study every day, judge yourself! He might be Merciful once in a while and simply rebuke you only through His word.

Proverbs 12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [is] brutish.

The Lord has given us the solution for communing with Him through the Scriptures, payer, a genuine relationship with Him. It is our choice if we want to count on His word or not. It is not about love, care, child protection or other laws the UN claims, it is obeying God's views, laws, statutes of things for a better life. That is true love! Whatever He loves I love, whatever He hates I hate! I love the Lord!

If you are a parent, do not be hesitant... Discipline your child as God chastens you! He wants you to proceed the same way with your children as He does with you!

Proverbs 23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for [if] thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

Be strong! God is there to withhold you with His Mighty arm whenever you cry out to Him in need. Do not mess it up like Peter who always had something to say or object (although he was Jesus' disciple and loved God). Obey the Lord and move forward in hope and faith, as David confronted the giant. There is light right by your side. Close your eyes, imagine a Great Person near you walking, whose shinning garment, light, love, warmth makes the sun be like an ice cube. Endure in prayer! Your trials might not be as big as your mind conceives them. God is trying you! Be strong and keep the whole armour of God.

Greetings of humility,

Denisa