Daily Delight
Growing up, my mom consistently disciplined me and my siblings when we disobeyed.As a child, I got frustrated with it. I hated being sent to my room or being reprimanded. Looking back, though, I realize that my mom’s goal was not to control my actions or keep me from having fun. She insisted on obedience because she knew it was for my good. Whenever she gave me an instruction such as, “Don’t play in the street,” she needed to know that I would obey.It was not for her good; it was for mine!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀God’s discipline is much the same way. He does not discipline us to control us or assert His dominance; He disciplines us because He loves us. He wants what is best for us. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀As Christians, we know that the heart of God is not to punish us but to help us grow. Just like a parent corrects their children, God corrects us -- not because He wants to manipulate us, but because He wants us to draw nearer to Him.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀It is a mark of spiritual maturity to love discipline!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀If the Holy Spirit is prompting you to change your behavior, to let go of something, or to start doing something differently, don’t resist! His discipline is an expression of love. Do you remember when your parents disciplined you and you received the correction well? Your relationship with them improved! In the same way, when we submit to God’s discipline and receive it humbly, our relationship with Him deepens.⠀⠀Let’s get better at accepting—and even desiring—discipline from God. He loves us so deeply that He does not want to leave us broken; He wants to correct us and draw us nearer to Him. Let’s embrace discipline this week as we remember that God’s discipline is a heartfelt expression of His unfailing love!
About the Author
Kirsten Fernandes
