It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone and keep silence, because he has laid it on him.
–Lamentations 3:27-28
When I was little, my parents told me not to ride my tricycle in the road in front of our house.
They followed those instructions by telling me that if I did, I would be disciplined — to the tune of a hand to my behind.
When I was sixteen, my parents gave me a curfew. They followed these instructions with the warning that if I did not come home on time, losing my driving privileges would be the disciplinary action of choice.
God has given us definitive instructions not to sin. His instructions are clear and easy to understand. He does not spring random rules on His children. He follows these instructions with the warning that disobedience will incur discipline.
Discipline is for our own good. Discipline protects us from harm and results in making us people of integrity. But most of all, discipline makes us realize that we are not God. The universe does not bow to us and follow our whims.
It brings us face to face with the Lord of All, and reminds us that He loves us.
Prayer
God, I don’t always like discipline, but I know it is necessary and even good. Help me accept Your discipline for what it is: character refinement. Help me grow because of it. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
What do I need to change in my life to avoid needing God’s discipline?