A Reflection On Discipline

When I don’t want God’s correction

Our natural reaction to rebuke—from anyone, even God—is to get offended. We don’t want anyone telling us what to do, and we don’t think anyone has a right to do so. It’s human nature to have a hard time accepting correction; after all, we are creatures looking for superficial peace and comfort. Yet we cannot afford that luxury as disciples. We begin as sinners, and we want to end up as redeemed children of God. To get there, we must endure a lot of correction along the way. Otherwise, we can never be remade into His image. Our problem is confusing God’s rebuke with His disapproval. We must understand that His correction is never to condemn and always to edify. It’s a painful edification, but it is well worth it.

One day we’ll stand in eternity and pour undying gratitude at His feet for the difficult things we went through and the discipline He imposed on us. It will have made us more gloriously radiant in the everlasting Kingdom. Temporal pain for eternal blessing is a bargain. Always cooperate with His discipline, and thank Him for its promise.

Don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you.

Proverbs 3:11