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What Does the Word Discipline Bring to Mind?
by Marijo Phelps Looks like the word disciple and discipline come from the same root word. We need to learn and grow and become more like our Lord Jesus. A Father who loves is one who guides, corrects and leads His kids. He does and should discipline His children. Our Father God definitely does. Does discipline conjure up pictures of a paddle, in our case it was a sturdy wooden yard stick. My hubby speaks of the switch made from a thin branch of a peach tree aptly applied to his posterior in times of need. I suppose now it would be "time outs" although none of us old enough to remember our padded posterior occasionally getting spanked will share any lasting damage from that correction. Our Father God is gentle and definite in His correction. We are able to get the point and yet be encouraged, encouraged to move forward, to try again and to grow. We are given hope and not left with the feeling of being "put down' but with the challenge of rising up and doing better, making good choices the next time. I hear your praises, my daughter, I know the intent of your heart. Discipline is the keyword. Not by way of drudgery, but allowing My discipline to flow through you. Give me your heart, your will and I shall change you. In Hebrews 12:6 we are told that if God loves us he chastens us. Correction might be difficult for a parent to administer but it shows that they truly love us. In Deuteronomy 8:5 speaks of the Lord chastening us. I think parents can learn much from the ways of the Lord in correction. Proverbs 13:24 speaks of sparing the rod indicating you hate your child and loving that child means you discipline him promptly. I guess that rules out the "wait till your Dad gets home" threat and I am glad for that. God, once again, has much to say about discipline which can lead to most positive change in our walk with Him if we choose to allow that process. Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to receive your discipline with graciousness and to respond quickly, so that we may grow more childlike and less childish daily. We do offer our hearts to you for change. AMEN My blog is: http://myincrediblelord.blogspot.com/ (C) Marijo Phelps all rights reserved. Use with proper credits. About Self Saved by His grace in 1974, from 9 years of professing atheism into His loving arms. RN for 23 years, missionary with YWAM then statistical analyst for Every Home for Christ over 9 years. Living with my husband in the middle of a mountain meadow. GRIN! Wanting to spread the good news Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |