Discipline is never a crime
Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Discipline is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, using punishment to correct disobedience. This can be done by oneself or from someone to another.
As humans, we are bound to make mistakes, as much as there is a law guiding the affairs of our life, there will always be a time we would sin against the set law and definitely we are bound to be disciplined.
This is in no way of acting wickedly to the offender, but to bring knowledge, correction to the offender in order to avoid future occurrence.
In some passages of Scripture, the word is used in reference to a father training his children, or training in righteousness, or in this context God training his children. Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
The scripture reveals that God graciously and lovingly disciplines his children to train them to become spiritual champions. It is a way to draw us away from what will cause us harm and lead us into the likeness and divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a spiritual maturing process that God allows us to experience to become like Christ. It is God's effort in a believer's life to realign my will to his.
Discipline by God is not a crime. Sometimes when we are faced with hardships and calamity, we think that these sufferings are the punishments for our sinfulness. Hardship and suffering are not God's way of getting even. Neither is it his means of retaliating for the wrongs we have committed. God's discipline is not the sentence for our sin.
When God disciplines us, He is not getting us back; he is drawing us back. He seeks to bring us back to his will, from that which will destroy us, and toward his likeness.
As believers, we can put a bridle on our life so as not to fall into temptations that will break our sweet relationship with God.
Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
If our life is not protected by rules that can guide us towards the will of God the Father, then we will ignorantly walk into the temptation and our life will be overpowered by sin.
1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
The end of the world is near, knowledge has increased as prophesied by Jesus Christ, killings is on the rise and many are taken over by the lust of the flesh and the love of the world. Believers need to be discipline in other not to be carried away by the pattern of sin that flood the world. Instead, we should be watchful in prayers and giving heed to the scriptures daily.
2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
God's people must be those who have their emotions under control, they apply discipline to their lives in order to carry out their work as children of God. The self-control helps them to maintain a commitment to their calling.
In every aspect of behaviour, believers are to be identified by their emotional control of themselves, both in their relationship with others and their service to God.
1 Corinthians 9:27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
Apostle Paul recognises the need for personal discipline. He does not allow lust of the flesh to detour him from the race, he trained his character in other to be fit for eternal dwelling.
The preacher who preaches to others others without bringing his lust under control, will lose his reward.
1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
Some things may be lawful, but not expedient or profitable in reference to Christian behaviour. Though it may be morally right to do some things, the doing of such may not be beneficial to oneself and relationship with others.
Colossians 3:16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Discipline yourself in constant meditation in the word of God, act in them, teach others and be spiritually conscious always so as to guard your heart against the lust of this world and the deceit of the devil.
When God discipline you, consider it an honour to be loved by God, Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Discipline is never a crime but a corrective measure to stand firm in the love of God.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the grace to see another day in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, help me to accept your discipline with love whenever it comes in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, give me the grace to discipline myself online with your ordinances so as not to derail from your will in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name amen.