Forget the Pleas . . . Repent and Learn

One night, my son grew angrier by the minute.  First, he misbehaved and television time was removed.  Then, another misbehavior led to reading time being removed.  My husband was not home for the evening, so I was enemy #1.  If you have never been there, it isn't that fun and I suggest you avoid it at all costs.  Well, as he lay in bed, he expressed anger towards his current position.

Many pleas sounded from his room to change this mean mother's mind.  I stood firm on the punishment and ignored the outcries.  His feelings were valid for sure.  His anger justified.  But, the punishment necessary to learn that misbehavior is not accepted. 

With each statement proclaimed, I recalled a time when I felt just as he did that night.  I think we could all relate to at least one of his statements.  He belted off a list of people in his life that loved and cared for him (guess what?  I was not on that list).  Everyone lets him down.  People are always mean to him.  He never feels love and always suffers.  His sister never gets in trouble.  I think you get the idea.

Did you catch a few of his words?  Never.  Always.  Everyone.  These are some powerful words to be spewing out.  Yet, don't we feel this way when stuck in a terrible situation?  Our eyes cannot see clearly the blessings; our stubborn minds cannot take discipline and our anger bubbles over towards anyone present at the time. 

"Blessed is the one whom God corrects;
   so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty." (Job 5:17)  

"Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
   but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." (Proverbs 13:24)

"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 12:10-11)

Discipline produces wisdom.  We learn from mistakes made; therefore, strengthen our walk.  If discipline did not occur, how would we ever learn right from wrong?  Our actions would continue to lead down a path of destruction.  Discipline hurts.  I will not deny that, but it is necessary for spiritual maturity.  We do not know the exact steps to take on the path laid for us.  One thing we do know is that God holds the big picture and He knows every step leading straight to Heaven.  It is through His Son, Jesus our Savior, which we will arrive in Eternal life with Him.  It takes correction from time to time so our feet will get back in line with our path.  Our flesh may lead us astray, but He will correct us quickly.  Humble yourselves and listen to the discipline He gives. 

Discipline produces respect.  We respect our Father, for He knows the life of righteousness and peace.  Only through His teaching will we reap this harvest.  He loves us enough to guide us and warn of faltering steps.  Listen, respect and honor our Father.  Do not hate our Disciplinarian.  Do not waste your breath pleading for things to be the way YOU believe they should.  Repent and learn from wrong decisions.  He will strengthen you and the next time a similar situation occurs you will know exactly what to do.  Thank Him for each lesson.

God, thank you for another day.  Thank you for teaching me the right way to go.  Open my heart to accept discipline and change my ways to align with Your plan for my life.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig