September 21

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:11.

It is tempting to call this verse the understatement of the Bible. Yes, discipline is often sorrowful, but I am to focus on the Lord that is offering it and who is providing a way to work His ways into my ways. We all long for the peaceful fruit of righteousness—the Lord Jesus’ peace, His righteousness extended to us in our daily lives.

I know when I am being disciplined when I hear His still, small voice calling attention to my wrong deeds. I have looked upon my fellow man improperly, expecting only to correct him without loving him. I have been critical, when I should have sought to understand what it means to walk in his shoes. I have elevated myself above him, forgetting that I too have done the same things. I blame others for acting upon incomplete information, yet I am prone to overlook many details that would help me. I can not understand the focus of my neighbor who seems to make choices that are harmful, all the while forgetting that I also make poor choices. Above all I have trusted in the flesh in a way that brings dishonor to my Lord.

After hearing Him, after choosing to follow Him more closely, I can sense that things are right between us. He has only been interested in striving to teach me His ways, and I can only be better for it. He is bent upon expressing His very life in mine, and my fleshly ways need to be cast aside and rendered powerless. Of course You have done this at the cross, so teach me each day, Lord Jesus, to take up my cross and follow You. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
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