Day 82 - Courtney! Inside!

Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children. Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness. Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:7-11 (NRSV)

How my heart weeps for poor Courtney, as the child is ordered to come inside. It is never a good sign when a parent, guardian or responsible adult uses your first name in full. Many of us will relate to Courtney’s plight. And we know, deep down, that any pleas of mitigation will make matters worse. It is time for Courtney to enter with head bowed, as an act of humility and contrition.

And yet. And yet, we have just read about discipline being good for us, although we may not appreciate this in verse 11, ‘... discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness at the time...’ In life, there are rules, regulations, conventions, and protocols which we should follow to make life easier. Occasionally, we must bend or break some of these rules, but not often. Let us not forget that applying discipline can be hard for the adult too. I remember the pain of letting my children fall over and occasionally hurt themselves as they learnt to walk.

But what of poor Courtney. Most of you will think Courtney was hard done by. In fact, the call was made because the caller could see a couple of rival gangs about to kick-off. They could see the potential danger, which Courtney could not. And God can always see the bigger picture, so he disciplines us for our own good and our own safety, just like Courtney. Sometimes, his discipline is to correct our mistakes and return us to the right path. On other occasions, his discipline is to help protect us from danger. So, be sure to listen to God’s call, and feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit directing your lives, as you are taught, trained, and moved on. Yes, God’s discipline can be hard, but it is for our benefit.

Are we willing to let God discipline us, as explained in verse 9?

Prayer – Father, give us the courage to follow your lead and help us accept the discipline you provide. Help us to feel your Holy Spirit both guiding and prompting us. Amen.

Michael Rolton