23 September 2009 Devotion for Today "The Lord's Discipline" Proverbs 3: 11-18
11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her. (Proverbs 3: 11-18)
Do you remember the last time you were punished as a child for wrong-doing? I don't remember exactly when but I recall when the physical punishment moved into psychological punishment about the time I turned twelve. I noted that I no longer got "spankings." Instead, my parents inflicted more meaningful punishments when I was disobedient, delinquent in my studies, or especially, when I was disrespectful. That was when the word "restriction" came out. I could not talk on the phone or visit with my friends, nor was I allowed to ride my bike. Other privileges were withheld as well. I can remember thinking, "I would rather go back to getting a spanking than to have these privileges taken away- at least the spanking would be over with quickly." The threat of one or two weeks of restriction would keep me in line and was very effective.
But there were times when I saw the disparity of the discipline enforced in my home and what I saw some of my friends get away with. I could not understand why some kids were allowed to do most anything they wanted- but I couldn't. A school friend with whom I rode the bus said, "Your folks are raising you to be a "mama's boy! I get to stay out all night and do what I want!" This boy could do anything he wanted to do, that was true. It was mainly because his mother and stepfather stayed out all night themselves- partying and drinking. I remember thinking- does his parents not care what happens to him? Probably not.
That was when the truth of our Bible passage struck home to me: "For whom the Lord loves, he corrects." God loves us too much to let us do what we want to do without consequences. Even today, as I come close to the dawn of my fiftieth year- I still receive God's chastening. Usually this comes by way of financial punishments because of bad spending habits that I have allowed myself to develop, or possibly the alienation of relationships that are important to me. These discipline me to help me as I reflect upon what has happened: "I better think about this and pray about this better next time!"
Be grateful for God's chastening- for this indeed signifies that we belong to our heavenly Father and that we are not illegitimate. Be thankful of His care and protection, and even for consequences for in them there is no doubt to whom we belong.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I don't like it when You discipline me, but I am grateful for it because I know that it will help me be a better child of Yours. Help me understand what You are doing, God. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Have a blessed day!
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