Discipline!

My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:  For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Proverbs 3:11‭-‬12 KJV

......My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Hebrews 12:5‭-‬6 KJV

Words of wisdom, eternal words. We see it in the old testament as well as the new testament. Some people would argue that the dispensation of grace has put an end to the operation of the law in our lives  but today's extract proves that discipline is an eternal concept.

Key lessons:
1. The Lord does not discipline without love. It is love that makes a parent provide boundaries for the child. When other children are doing particular things and another parent forbids same for his/her child, the natural tendency is for the child to think the parents are unfair. Same goes for God: when others seem to be getting away with actions, God seems to be holding us to a higher standard. It is not borne out of hatred but from a heart of love. God who sees ahead knows what is at stake, and he knows just what lessons are needed to prepare you for that assignment.

2. Discipline is an offshoot of relationship-  God deals with his children in different ways from those who have not surrendered to him. The word 'son' is critical here and shows blood- connection. For the prodigal son, nothing he did changed the fact that he was a son. He did wrong, acted foolishly but on his return, the connection was obvious for all to see. Same with God: he does not treat us equally. I know we say God is a merciful God, but from Scriptures, those who know him are called into a different lifestyle, a higher standard and an eternal call. If you are in this category, eternity is the reward, but God will take you through experiences to prepare you for this. Whatever he allows has been prepared to make you into what he has purposed. Walk with him, surrender all to him, let his purpose find expression in you, no matter what he allows. His time of favour is here.