“And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,
‘My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t give up when he corrects you.
For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.’
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.”
Discipline is a complicated word. Earthly parents are sometimes too strict or even abusive, causing some of us to connect the word discipline with unjust, harsh punishment. Other earthly parents don’t discipline their children at all. Most of us don’t really want to be around their children. (One store had a sign, “Children left unattended will be given an espresso and a puppy” — that about sums up all our thoughts on out-of-control kids!)
Today’s passage quotes Proverbs 3:11-12 and I find it interesting that these are called “encouraging words.” Kind of like how eating kale is good for you. You know it’s true but that doesn’t mean it’s always fun. People who grew up with fair and appropriate discipline generally become well-respected leaders as adults. They also have learned self-control and are able to live disciplined lives. A little training goes a long way.
If you accept God’s leadership and discipline in your life, then you are building your spiritual muscles. You are getting stronger and becoming more like Jesus. As verse 12 says, “Take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.” You might feel like collapsing after the marathon you’ve been running, but you’re actually stronger than you’ve ever been. I once saw this quote: “It isn’t getting easier, you’re getting stronger.” I bet if you look back over the past 5 years, you’ve come a long way. If that’s not the case for you, what steps could you take towards living a life under God’s discipline?