July 23

Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of Spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. Hebrews 12: 9,10.

In this passage the author says that God only disciplines those whom He loves. So how can some claim that God is being mean-spirited by using discipline? We should really worry if we are not being disciplined, for that would mean that God does not love us—a thought that is tragic beyond belief.

I did not have the privilege of living with an earthly father—he had died when I was very young. But all the benefits of a father, the heavenly Father, are mine in abundance. His discipline seems to take a variety of forms. It may be to remind me of my wayward pattern of life, for example that I am too yielded to worldly enticements, or I may have treated a brother rudely. It can also mean that a door is shut to me because I was not faithful in serving Him. He talks to me with conviction, but with love. And, above all, it is always for my own good. He is making me ready for the next opportunity.

I also know that there are times when He allows me to go far enough on my own way of behavior that I begin to see the terrible error of my choice. I am then more aware of my great need for Him, and I return to His safe “harbor.” Sometimes fellow Christians remind me of my errors. Sometimes I am caught up short by the comments of unbelievers—and that can truly be painful. But through it all God sustains me and beckons me to His side.

Father, let me see Your love today. I know it may include discipline, but to experience no discipline is to be separated from You—and I do not want that to happen. Thank You for Your steady hand upon me. Make me aware continually of Your discipline with love. Amen.

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