The Loving Discipline of the Father

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” | Hebrews 12:5b-6

Christians, we should count it as joy when the LORD disciplines us, because His active discipline in our lives is evidence that He loves us and treats us like sons.

It's not easy. Most of us would probably prefer to receive a dose of easy grace, without the side of loving discipline...but the author of Hebrews tells us that the absence of discipline can actually be considered an absence of love. Therefore, when we read the beautiful words of scripture, "For the LORD disciplines the one(s) he loves..." we find comfort, because God's discipline is always loving and is always used to heal, help, and sharpen. Always for his glory and always for our blessing.

God's Word promises Christians that they will continue to grow into the likeness of Jesus Christ. One of the primary ways this growth comes about is through the loving discipline of the Father. 

And how much do we need it? We are sinners, engulfed in self-centered and destructive behavior. As God's adopted sons and daughters, He cannot allow us to continue to live such reckless and destructive lives. God's aim is, and always has been, to be glorified in and through His image bearers. This can only happen through His correcting work; as he reshapes mankind into the image of His Son. #GrowOn

Seek to Serve

"Members of the older generation need to take it upon themselves to pursue younger Christians to mentor and disciple them in the faith. Let’s be honest. They might not be beating down the door to sit at your feet. They might not look to you with adoring eyes, amazed by your knowledge. You might not be a “cool” old person. Don't let that stop you. If you're motivated by the Gospel, it shouldn't stop you. Remember, it’s not about you. It’s about the Savior. It’s about what He has done. Whether or not you have the added fuel of feeling wanted, needed, and in demand, you can go out and seek to serve." | Joshua Harris

For the Fame of His Name

As the spiritual leaders of our homes, what can we do to lead our families well? What can we do to help wake people up from their sleep (Eph. 5:14-16) in order that they too might see the reality of their sin, God's pending wrath for the unrighteous, and their unquestionable need for a Savior.

Far too many people have fallen for the devil's lie that it is because they are so lovable that Christ came to rescue them. This is not only heresy, but it is also dangerous thinking. Jesus didn't come to die because we are worthy...he came to diefor the fame of his great name. His elect (i.e. Christians) are not some sort of prize that Jesus received as a reward for laying down his life. Instead, Christians are the tangible and visible evidence God chose to use to vindicate his holiness (as well as his love and mercy) before the eyes of the world.

I Will Put My Spirit Within You | Ezekiel 36:22-23 (ESV)

22 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. 23 And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. 

Men, may our efforts to make disciples always begin with the reality that it is for God's glory that Christ came to set us free. It is for the fame of God's great and glorious name that we do all things (1 Cor. 10:31). May God find our efforts worthy and may we never squander any opportunities we are given to point people towards Jesus.

No Plan B - On Discipleship.