Great Love Requires Discipline

Not many people think love and discipline are synonymous however they are. A parent who loves her children will discipline or correct them. Sadly, today correction and discipline are frowned upon leaving the world with people both young and old that can’t be effective in their jobs, who believe they are entitled to items that should be worked for and often have a sense of lawlessness that causes harm to others either physically or mentally.

Remember the nursey rhyme: There was an old woman who lived in a shoe. She had so many children she didn’t know what to do. She gave them some broth without any bread; and whipped them all soundly and sent them to bed. Well, I guarantee that child protective services would be called on that mother today and her children would be taken away.  There were far too many and their plight, horrible. She barely fed them, seemingly spanked them for no reason, and then made them go to bed. That would not fly today. Conversely, in a family where discipline and correction are the norm the children tend to grow up to be more productive. Now, this doesn’t mean these children are perfect and can’t fall victim to poor decision making or general life situations. Moreover, this does not include abuse. Discipline and correction are the opposite of abuse. Discipline is a type of training that teaches self-control through punishment or regulation of activities.

Athletes are disciplined to perfect their crafts and stay healthy. As believers, we should be disciplined and dedicated to reading the Word and spending quality time with the Father. When we have a relationship with the Lord, we are disciplined and convicted when we sin. Discipline never feels good initially, but it is good for us. As we grow in Christ we should start our own exercise routine. We should go to the gym (church) regularly (Hebrews 10:25). We should not forget to include some weights: open the Bible and read the word (2 Timothy 2:15). Lifting the Bible off the table and opening it regularly will strengthen your core and help you stand and respond correctly when trouble comes. We should also stretch by memorizing the scriptures (Psalm 119:11). There will be times when you need a Word from God, and you don’t have time to find your Bible or use Google. So do some Bible Pilates and memorize some scriptures; this stretching is great for the heart. When you discipline yourself your sessions with the trainer seem easier. There is great love involved when a person who cares for you loves you enough to correct you. There’s no greater love than when a man loves you enough to sacrifice his own body for yours (John 15:13). This type of love is unmeasurable, and the thanks should be regulation of our thoughts and actions.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for allowing us to be a part of Your tree. Thank You for Your Word that not only guides us but convicts us as well. Lord, Your love for us was shown when You went to the cross to save sinners. Your love for us was shown by the way You lived Your life prior to the cross. Your love for us is shown by the conviction received when we stray. Thank You for the love You show when we are accepted back into the fold when we repent. Amen.
Sis. Pat Towns