To Live is Christ — disciplined and glad of it

My parents were told that I would not live beyond sixteen years. Because of that, they didn’t prepare me for life as they otherwise would, nor did they discipline me. I knew they loved me and I understand their reasoning, yet I grew up without a lot of practical skills. I also thought that I could do no wrong.

My father did show me how to do a few things in his shop. I know how to use copper rivets to repair the reins on a bridle and can handle most hand and power tools. Yet my dad didn’t chasten or discipline me, so I cannot relate first hand to the first part of today’s devotional reading.

Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you. Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and revering him. (Deuteronomy 8:5–6)

Although he was not authoritative or demanding, I respected my father. He was a practical man who didn’t do things without reason. He worked hard, loved people, and was extremely thrifty. When I first became a Christian, I thought God would be like my dad in that he spoiled me and would give me whatever I asked. I soon found out the folly of that supposition.

However, my dad did prepare me for some of what God is like. God also is practical and does not do things without reason. He loves people, even died for us. Putting that together, the discipline of the Lord is easier to accept even without an earthly example. I see how some fathers are mean and think only of themselves. They swat their children for annoying them. At least my father never did that, and although my heavenly Father corrects me with what sometimes feels like a good swat, it is always for my own good.

Today’s ‘experts’ say that children are damaged by discipline and it destroys their self-esteem. I cannot speak for every child, but for me that lack of discipline confused me, even made me think my actions were okay when they were not. Discipline gives boundaries. Without them, I became a social misfit and had to learn social graces the hard way — by trial and error. Discipline gives a sense of value. Without it, self-esteem is damaged, contrary to the so-called opinion of experts.

God’s discipline, as Hebrews 12:11 says, does not seem to be joyful at the time, but painful. Nevertheless, afterward it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. Discipline is an important part of becoming like Jesus, a goal that is far more worthy than any goals supposedly reached by lack of it.

For the past few days, reading these verses and thinking about the discipline of God has produced a strong response in my heart — I’m filled with joy. I know God cares for me. Yes, He loves people just as we are, and while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8), yet He loves me too much to leave me that way. In patience and wisdom, He corrects my foolishness, rebukes my selfishness, and shows me that my spiritual growth and the way that I live matters to Him. For that, I am grateful — and my heart rejoices.