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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode is Discipline        

We have often heard the quote spare the rod spoil the child. While it is often believed to be a bible verse, it comes from a 17^th century poem. Discipline is defined by Oxford Dictionary as the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.

 Many experts have argued about discipline when it comes to children. Some take the, “let them learn naturally” in other words let them run wild and as they get hurt, they will learn.

Others are too strict; they have every moment of the child’s life structured. They do not allow them to be children but expect them to act like adults at all times. Both approaches are too far in one direction. There needs to be balance between the two.

Children that run wild do not have boundaries. They are under the impression that the whole world should bow down to them. They feel like rules don’t apply to them, because they are so special. They never learn how to be productive adults, because they lack discipline or the ability to follow rules.  They never learn how to live within the boundaries of normal society.

Those that have been under too hard of a task master are like a dog that has been chained up most of its life. When given the opportunity they will run. They will spend a long time trying to learn to live without someone telling them what to do every moment. When someone gives advice, they often do the opposite to prove they are grown up and do not have to listen.

The parents in the middle of the extremes will raise the best children and the most productive adults. These people punish their children for disobedience when necessary. They set boundaries to protect their children. Teaching them to be responsible for their actions.

This is what God wants from us, for us to be responsible people, having discipline to walk in the Spirit. He wants us to admit when we go astray and do wrong, asking for his grace. God disciplines those he loves. He wants us to be a shining light to the world. We cannot be a good light if we lack self-control. We have to be able to resist the devil when he comes to try to drag us into trouble.

Heb 12:9-11 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

We are soldiers in the army of the Lord. Soldiers are brave, disciplined and follow the rules. They are not weak when it comes to being ready to stand for the right thing. If they have good leaders, they will be prepared for battle.

This is why God allows things in our lives; to make us stronger and give us structure. The trials of life can be a good lesson of how to lean on Jesus. He is our example in every way.  

Heb 12:12-14 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

There is a difference in chastisement and God’s wrath. Chastisement is the equivalent of being sent to our rooms to think about what we did wrong. Knowing that after we think about it, we will repent.

His wrath is saved for those who will not admit they are wrong. His wrath is for those that are disobedient and show no signs of changing. Those who have a hardened heart. His wrath is reserved for those who will not turn from their evil but boast in it, like Pharoah.

Learning to have discipline will help us in our faith walk. If we have self-control, which is the fruit of the spirit, we will walk upright and be a good light. We need to submit to God’s chastisement. Knowing that he chastises us not to be mean, but to shape and mold us into the light of the world.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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