Whilst there are many joys in being a parent, there are also times when it is really tough and we have to do things that we find hard. Disciplining and discipling our children is one such tricky job. Tough love is a hard lesson to both deliver and to be on the receiving end of. God allowed me the opportunity to put this to the test recently – I guess he knew what bible readings were coming up!
As a result of various events, tiredness, and frustrations with each other, we recently had a lovely family day out spoiled when things got out of hand, which resulted ultimately in one child having a confiscated phone and an internet block for 24 hours. Not only was this a shock to the child involved as we had never reacted this way before, but it was also very hard for us as parents to have to remove privileges like this. It was not something we'd had to do before, and I found it really hard. Even though the behaviour was unacceptable on several levels, I still felt like an awful parent for teaching my child a lesson in this way. I'm happy to report the punishment did have the desired effect, and the lessons were learned, but it was a tough love time for all of us.
Today's passage for Hebrews tells of how God disciplines us and points us to the right paths.
"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 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 spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order 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
Just as we had to assert our authority as parents, so God does the same with us. When we step out of line, or do not do as He instructs us, He will need to step in and discipline us and teach us the lessons we need to learn. It is because of love that we want our children to know right and wrong, and because of His love for us that God calls us to submit to Him and acknowledge that He is right. It is not pleasant being disciplined, it can hurt, but the end result is righteousness, peace and holiness for all those who have been lovingly trained by their Heavenly Father.
Corinne Mason.
Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 125:1-5, Ezekiel 26:1-27:36, Hebrews 12:1-13
No comments:
Post a Comment