Discipline!

Discipline!

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 NKJV

Let it be clear: Discipline is from God. It is a non-negotiable part of our calling and walk as Christians. It is also a sign that God loves us enough to want to mold us into the kind of vessels He can use, and that is why one of the end purposes of discipline is discipleship - where we follow Christ, in line with His will and under His tutelage and direction.

It wasn't built to be palatable, because its end goal also involves dealing with the nature of sin in us. That nature will not give up without a fight, and God will not let go, except with the exercise of our freewill, and His mercy will keep the door of return open until it is indeed too late. Right from the Garden of Eden, man, on his own, has been losing the war against the devil and only the skill, experience, stability and guidance of the Man of War can help us to survive the devil's schemes and tricks.

There is an end to all discipline, whether in the earthly or heavenly realm. The fruit of righteousness becomes evident down here and eternal life is the final result. Everything you allow in your life will bear fruit, good or bad. That is the law of sowing and reaping as ordained by God from the creation of the world. So, what's the deal with you? Will you submit to God's discipline or would you go your own way? Do you want God's defined end or do you want to take a risk that you know what you are doing? Either way, eternity is at stake. His time of favour is here.