DISCIPLINE IS A MUST

09/02/2023

"For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights" (Proverbs 3:12).

With love comes correction and discipline.  When God points out areas where you must make adjustments, you have the option to self-correct.  If you do not, He will use others to correct you as a demonstration of His love for you.  And for many, receiving discipline is not pleasant; however, it is required for God to fulfill His Word in your life.  The Bible says, "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."  When you yield to God's love through His discipline, you insure yourself against self-destruction and destiny killers.

Welcome correction if you desire to be all God has called you to be.  When God uses others to correct you, don't get angry at them or become indifferent towards them.  Proverbs 15:32 says, "He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding." Those who abhor correction are proud and self-absorbed and are headed for the rocks in life.  Samuel said to Saul,  "You were once small in your own eyes." Samuel was referring to a time when public reputation did not come before God-reputation in Saul's life.

So, ask yourself, "How do I handle discipline, especially when it is done in the view of others?" Does it make you take a break from serving God or attending church services?  The truth is that no God-assigned leader would delight in your sadness or would single you out for humiliation.  However, if correcting you in love will deliver you from the jaws of destruction, then it is a necessary sadness that you must bear for the moment.  Proverbs 3:12 says, "For the LORD corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."  

Correction demonstrates the Father's love, and a lack of correction proves that one is not loved.  So, if you are ever disciplined, take away the emotions and receive God's love in His discipline.  And it is okay to say, "Father, I thank you for correcting me.  I needed that rebuke." It is better to show appreciation for the correction than to find someone who'd agree with you that you are right while those correcting you are wrong.  Besides, anyone who'd agree with you that your pastor or leader, for example, was wrong for correcting your devilish attitude is being used by a demon.  

Rejecting correction or discipline is a rejection of the Father's love.

So, bring order and discipline into your life.  Encourage those around you to correct you whenever they see you drifting off course. 

Praise God.

Faith Filled Confession:

The wisdom of God is at work in me mightily; I know what to do, what to say, who to meet.  All at the right time.  I'll never miss my way.  The knowledge of God is increasing in my life.  I increase in Grace which produces beauty, honor, acceptability, loveliness, goodwill, benefits, endurance, promotion, elegance, charm, glory, and favor in my life.

ONE YEAR READING PLAN: Proverbs 1-2; 1 Corinthians 12