Hebrews 12:11 AMP
[11] For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose].
The Context and Focus:
What is discipline? There are quite a number of definitions available online, but a few of them will suffice for our devotion. It means to 'train (someone) to obey rules or a code of behaviour, using punishment to correct disobedience'. This would mean that discipline is not a destination in itself, but a process that leads to a conclusion. The word 'train' is mentioned here, which is not an overnight sensation but a process that leads to a desired conclusion. If I will learn a trade, or become skilled in a particular field, I cannot avoid the process of training. Closely tied to this is the bit about punishment to correct disobedience. The human nature is such that sin has messed up the part of us that seeks God willingly. We are attracted to the wrong, and we can justify it sometimes, but discipline requires that I submit to the process instituted by God to place me on the right path.
The Message:
That is why discipline from God's perspective is critical to my growth, development and eternal life. As the verse above says, it is not Initially pleasant, but there is the one way God uses to equip His own children for effective service in His kingdom. Another definition of discipline is 'the quality of being able to behave and work in a controlled way which involves obeying particular rules or standards'. At this time, the lessons have been internalised and have become part of me, and I am able to predictably behave and act in a controlled way. Again, this process takes time. Let no man think there is a magic bullet that will bring all unruly behaviour to an end automatically. I will only get there if I surrender my life to the process God wants me to pass through. If I want to control and my own life for my own benefit, it is not likely that I will end where God intends.
The Conclusion:
It is also important to note that God is the only One who knows the usage and impact he has designed my life for. From all the points made, we can see that discipline can be preventative, where it preempts misbehavior by keeping me engaged in positive activity. It can also be supportive, where it helps with self-control. There is also corrective discipline too, which is taken when there is confirmed wrong behaviour. No wonder the verse above makes it clear that when taken in, discipline produces the peaceful fruit of righteousness. If my actions are guided by God, I do not need to fear for my eternity. The laws of men may claim I am wrong, but at the end of the day, what matters is what God says, not what men pursue. I will get to eat of the fruit of all my actions today, so I had better be sure that I can look forward to the results of whatever it is I am doing now. Would I submit to God's dealings with me, so I can be all He has formed and placed me to be? God's time of favour is here.
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