Discipline [Proverbs 3:11-12]

Pro 3:11 Do not despise the LORD's instruction, my son, and do not loathe His discipline;
Pro 3:12 for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, just as a father, the son he delights in.

When I was a child, my parents were not one’s to lack in discipline. My sister would babysit me quite frequently when they would go out or were away. I had quite the mouth on me when it came to my sister back then (come on, I was like 7!) Every time my parents would leave, I would start using cuss words towards my sister. Trust me, this made her furious. Each time this happened, mom and dad would come home, hear the whole story from her about what happened. Well, me being as adorable as I was (yeah right!) would deny it all each time. Guess what? My mom and dad believed me! So, time and time again this occurred and each time I got away with it. One night after my parents got home, my sister told the same story about me using language towards her, but this time was different… she recorded it! My mom sat me down and played the tape for me and asked, “Did you say that?” Yes mother, I said that, I’m a very disobedient son and deserve punishment. Are you kidding me? No, I didn’t say that! I denied it up and down. Well, as you can guess that didn’t work out to well. After all, they did have proof. So, I got disciplined. At the time, I think it is safe to say that we all had that “I hate you and will never forgive you attitude” towards our parents discipline. Looking back, I’m thankful. That discipline helped shape my character and develop me into the person I am. My parents were just steering me on the right track.
God is very much like this. If there is sin in our life, God will discipline us to rid us of it. We have two options: we can continue in that sin and continue to get disciplined or we can cut of the sin and abide by the Lord’s teaching. My parents only disciplined me because they loved me and wanted me to turn out properly. God disciplines us because He loves us. His discipline is actually proof of His love.
Are there areas of sin in your life that you need to get rid of? Maybe God is disciplining you by laying it on your mind all the time, or maybe your world is crashing down upon you. Either way, get rid of it. God is showing it to you because He loves you and wants you to succeed.

Aaron Taylor