Tina Mann encourages us in how to see God's discipline

Tina Mann

We may hear the word 'discipline' and straight away have a feeling inside of discomfort! Now, I wasn't a really naughty child but I wasn't a saint either and I can remember the discipline of a good telling off after I had misbehaved. Experiences like these tell us that discipline is not a nice thing; it seems like some kind of punishment and is something that makes you feel uncomfortable. However, what I didn't realise as a child, was that discipline was for my benefit and was done out of love to fashion me in obedience and respect for those who were looking after my best interests.

When being disciplined as children, we are constantly learning vital lessons in obeying and respecting those in authority over our lives, we trust what adults know and what they say is best for us at a time when we ourselves cannot make these decisions. Now, in some situations, that same trust can be abused and people misinterpret discipline - seeing it only as harsh and patronising. But we, as Christians, have to trust that it is good for us and remember the great benefits we gain from it.

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in its way." Heb 12:11

Please don't get me wrong, Christian faith is not all about following rules and regulations, being constantly disciplined and growing through pain. To me, my faith is alive because I know it is more than a religion, it is a friendship and in any friendship there is love and respect. This is where I want to challenge you to take on a new perception about the word discipline and what that means when you associate it with God and his loving discipline.

"For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they know how. But Gods discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in his holiness." Heb 12:10

We have to believe that God's heart is full of love for us, immense love. He knows what is best for us and our lives. We have to remember that God's discipline is way beyond that of our parents or teachers. Whatever we have felt from previous times of discipline we have to trust that God's discipline is what will deepen our relationship with him, teaching us of his holiness and drawing us closer to him.

"My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, don't be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves" Heb 12:5

We generally don't like to be told what to do, pride gets in the way and tells us we are the one in the right. We sometimes reject God's guidance and try to ignore what he is teaching us when it goes against what we think is right. This is the exact time we need discipline. For how can we know better than the creator of the whole universe what is best for us?! This is when we need to humble ourselves before God and follow his leading, trusting he knows what is best for us and not believe the lie that he is cruel or unfair. Sometimes obedience from the start is so much easier than trying to fight God all the way to get your own way. If you want to make the best out of your life then you need to trust God with it and get away from the idea that a life with God id easy and plain sailing! Discipline is not easy but we need it. God knows that we need it. There are many ways in which God chooses to discipline us and sometimes it is not necessarily because we have done something wrong. It could be that he is calling you closer and so you may need to get rid of a few hindrances in your life (Heb 12:1-2) or spend an extra amount of time in his presence each day in order to know him more. It might be that he wants to teach you more about Spiritual warfare and how prayer and fasting can benefit your life and your walk with God.

Whatever he is teaching you and however difficult it may seem, hold on to this promise:
there is something good that God wants for you during and after the time of discipline. Learn to enjoy (ouch!) these times and try to see it from God's perspective. He knows what he is doing; after all he did make you.