Proverbs 3: 11-12 “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loves he corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights.”
Being on the receiving end of discipline is often humiliating because we are naturally prideful. It’s a hard pill to swallow. Sometimes it’s because we don’t believe that we have done wrong and sometimes it’s because it’s hard to see our errors and admit that we fell short. It’s natural to want to push back against those doling out the discipline while trying to justify our actions. However, with God, attitude is key!
We all need to remember that where God is concerned if He chastens, we have most certainly done wrong. There is absolutely nothing you can do to deny it or to justify your actions. God is always right. End of story. Time to “man up”, as they say. Stand up, brush off the dust and open your heart and ears to what God is trying to tell you. And don’t talk back. This is not a time for pride.
Why does God chasten?
Because He loves us.
Any loving parent would not allow their child to repeatedly inflict pain on themselves or those around them. At some point, the action needs to be stopped and preventive measures must be taken. The same is so with God. Although He allows us some freedom to make choices, there are times when He needs to protect us from ourselves. Because He loves us, He takes the time to redirect our behaviour and guide us to better choices.
Because He needs us to be humble.
It is hard to help someone who doesn’t want to help themselves. Sometimes God must bring us to a breaking point so that we can see the harm we are causing ourselves or others. He does not desire to hurt us more, but rather, to open our hearts so that we are more receptive to hear Him when He tries to guide us in the right direction. We can’t listen if we’re too busy talking, so sometimes God just needs to bring us to a point where we are at a complete loss for words. Then, He finally has our attention.
Because He values perfection.
And you should too. If God is taking the time to refine you, then He obviously sees value in you. If your boss at work took the time to groom you to assume leadership of the company, you would probably pay very close attention to anything they said. You would take pride in your work and accept the guidance offered because it would make you a better leader when the time came. God needs you to be a better leader. He has chosen you for a purpose and this is your training ground. Do not become weary of His guidance. He has set His sights high for you and He needs you to be ready and willing to learn all that He must teach you.
Be attentive to God and do what He tells you to do. It will keep you safer and healthier and it will eliminate the need for Him to chasten. But, because we’re not perfect yet, you’ll still be on the receiving end of discipline from time to time. When you do find yourself in that position, please remember that your attitude to God’s correction will make all the difference! For more on this subject, please download our FREE booklet Christian Principles of Parenting.
Love, MOM xox
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