Scripture: Proverbs 3:11-12, Hebrews 12:6-11
In Proverbs 3:11-12 it says, “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” Paul mentions this scripture as well in Hebrews 12:6-11, “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. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
A lot of us do not like be corrected. Some of this can stem from pride. We think we know what’s best for ourselves. But in order to receive correction we have to humble ourselves. We have to submit to the wisdom of others. I’ve always believed that wisdom was a gift. When it comes we must receive it and embrace it, because not a lot of people receive godly wisdom—and it shows in our world today. Proverbs 10:7 says “Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.”
When God is correcting us, He is showing us that He loves us. He wants to mold us and shape us to be like Him, and so that we can live a long and prosperous life. It’s also proof that we are His children. In verse 7, it says that He is treating us like sons, and what son is not disciplined by his father. And if we are left without discipline then we are illegitimate. It may explain why the world is the way it is because they have rejected God, therefore they are not His children and do not receive His correction. Jesus said in John 8:47 AMP, “Whoever is of God listens to God. [Those who belong to God hear the words of God.] This is the reason that you do not listen [to those words, to Me]: because you do not belong to God and are not of God or in harmony with Him.” And in Romans 8:14 “14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
In verse 11 of Hebrews 12 it says, “For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.” Our earthly fathers discipline us up to a certain point in our lives, whereas God continues to discipline and correct so that we can share in His holiness. To be more like Him. Our goal is to be more like the Him.
Prayer: Lord we thank You for this day and we thank You for a great week. We honor You Lord. We pray Lord that You will show us any area in our life that needs to be corrected. We pray that You continues to mold us and shape us to look and act more like You. We will listen to You and take heed to Your leading. Use us for Your glory this week. Give the praise and honor, In Jesus mighty name. Amen.