ODB: School of Hard Knocks
April 7, 2011
God’s correction is our hope for a better life.
READ: Hebrews 12:3-11
No chastening seems to be joyful for the present . . . ; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness. —Hebrews 12:11
Of all my childhood memories, one stands out above the others. While I have no idea what my teacher said, I clearly remember telling her to “shut up.” She sent me home, so I got up and left my kindergarten class to walk the half-block home. Walking down the sidewalk, I saw my mother weeding in the garden behind our house. I was now faced with a strategic decision—continue on my way and tell my mother why I was home early from school, or turn around and go back to face my teacher.
When I returned to the classroom, I was immediately escorted to the restroom where my teacher washed my mouth out with soap. That kind of discipline probably wouldn’t happen today, but take it from me, it was effective! To this day I am acutely sensitive about the impact of my words.
God is passionately interested in our positive growth as His children. At times He needs to confront us with unpleasant circumstances to catch our attention and reorient our lives to more consistently produce the “peaceable fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:11).
Don’t resist God’s corrective hand. Respond to His reproofs with thankfulness that He loves you enough to care about what kind of a person you are becoming.
— Joe Stowell
Source: Our Daily Bread
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it
RSS FeedRelated
ODB: Failure To Discipline
August 28, 2011 READ: 1 Samuel 2:27-36 No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness. —Hebrews 12:11 We live in the woods, so we get very little prolonged sunlight in the summer. But we love fresh tomatoes, so I decided to try growing [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米
My friend has told me this before: “We are responsible for our own actions and have to face the music if need be.” This was in line with what I shared with him about the Gospel. Of course, if we have to bear the consequences then none of us will be saved. Having said this, this does not negate disciplinary actions from our loving Father. Otherwise, He will be seen to condone our sins which will render Him unjust. True Love is tough love. The question remain: How are we taking it when it comes? What is our attitude or spirit like while going through the discipline that God enforces? With humility I hope. Definitely for our good. No doubt about it. It is also being fair.