discipline...a good thing!

think about it.
Why is discipline an act or proof of love? What problem is discipline meant to help with (22:15; 23:13-14)? What's the upside of godly discipline (29:15)? What happens if we fail to discipline?

 Discipline is intended to make us more like our Heavenly Father,  Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:48 to "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."  Obviously, we can't be perfect...at least yet, until we are in the presence of Holy God, but that should still be our goal.  Hebrews 12 tells us to "not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”  Therefore, we're reminded to "endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?  If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.  Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!  They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 

Discipline is intended to help us become better than we are naturally.  "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Failure to discipline (our selves or our children) makes us disgrace our parents, and shows that we are foolish (Proverbs 29:15).    God loves us enough to discipline us, and tells us that "those who love their children care enough to discipline them" (Proverbs 13:24).

In the end, we are COMMANDED  "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2).  I trust the character of God enough that I KNOW His will is what will bring me deep and abiding joy.  

Today, I pray that I can submit to His discipline in focusing completely  on finishing my chem take-home test and preparing adequately for the final...and that I can give appropriate attention to discipling/disciplining my kids, for THEIR good! Let me be the godly example, Lord, by FIRST disciplining myself and bringing honor to you.