Discipline

 I never appreciated the following Scripture until I had children.  Hebrews 12:5b-6: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” NKJV.  The Mirror Study Bible reads,” The word in Scripture that confirms your genesis in God addresses you as sons, “My son, do not devalue the loving instruction of the Lord; neither become despondent when you are corrected.  For every instruction is inspired by His love, even as a father would discipline his sons with affection, though it might seem harsh at the time.  “

Growing up, the “discipline” that I was familiar with was anything but godly.  Abuse and belittling are not disciplines.  Integrity and training, obedience, listening, guidance and affection are part of discipline.  Humility is part of discipline as well.  God desires that we be like Him and humility is a foundational aspect of that endeavor.  God wants the world to see Jesus in us even when we are not using words.  We are to reflect who He is through our personality.  God’s manifest presence goes with us when we are disciplined followers of the Lord.  We were created to show forth His glory and represent His kingdom.  Our destiny involves heaven culture coming to earth through us.

So I can say that God dramatically loves me because of the discipline I have received. 

Through it, I have grown in character and influence.  Ephesians 2: 4, Mirror Study Bible: “None of this (warped corruption in our conduct v.3) could distract from the extravagant love of God; he continued to love us with the same intensity.”