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

Usually when we hear the word discipline we tend to see it in a negative way. I personally have struggled to see it in a positive way. But now when I look back in my life some of the greatest transformations of my life happened when I was going through a time of discipline. God had used some of the most difficult situations to teach me some of the most valuable lessons of life.

Psalm 94:10-12
10 Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?
11 The Lord knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile.
12 Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law;

At times, God must discipline us to help us. This is similar to a loving parent disciplining his child. The discipline is not very enjoyable to the child, but it is essential to teach him or her right from wrong. The Bible says that “no discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way” (Hebrews 12:11). When you feel God’s hand of correction, accept it as proof of his love.

Proverbs 3:11-12
11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

Discipline means “to teach and to train.” Discipline sounds negative to many people because some disciplinarians are not loving. God, however, is the source of all love. He doesn’t punish us because he enjoys inflicting pain but because he is deeply concerned about our development. He knows that in order to become morally strong and good, we must learn the difference between right and wrong. His loving discipline enables us to do that.

It’s difficult to know when God has been disciplining us until we look back on the situation later. Not every calamity comes directly from God, of course. But if we rebel against God and refuse to repent when God has identified some sin in our lives, he may use guilt, crises, or bad experiences to bring us back to him. Sometimes, however, difficult times come even when we have no flagrant sin. Then our response should be patience, integrity, and confidence that God will show us what to do.

Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.

If you don’t want to learn, years of schooling will teach you very little. But if you want to be taught, there is no end to what you can learn. This includes being willing to accept discipline and correction and to learn from the wisdom of others. A person who refuses constructive criticism has a problem with pride. Such a person is unlikely to learn very much.

Challenge
- What has been your view of discipline so far? How should it be according to The Bible?
- Why would God, though he is the Creator of the universe be interested in disciplining us?
- Ask God to help you have a moldable heart, and make a decision to see discipline as in a positive way