“My son,” King Solomon once wrote, “do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” (Proverbs 3:11-12, NIV)
This passage is quoted in the book of Hebrews. Immediately after the quotation, the writer adds these words of encouragement and instruction.
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 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 our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 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.” (Hebrews 12:7-11, NIV)
God disciplines his children. He does so through his word which Paul says is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16, NIV) He does so through circumstances as well.
No matter how he does it, God disciplines his children for their good. He knows that following his ways will give his children a good life. They will not be harmed by sin’s consequences.
Dads, your children will be glad one day that you took the initiative to discipline them. Your daughter will be grateful that you steered her away from gossip. Your son will thank you for teaching him the value of hard work. Your children, if they heed your instruction, will miss out on so much of the heartache that comes from ignoring God’s ways in every area of life.
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children,” Paul writes, “instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4, NIV)
That’s what discipline is all about really. Training. Instruction. So do the hard work required of you so that your children can grow in obedience to God himself.
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