A Father's Discipline

How do you define God? The dictionary defines Him as the Creator and ruler of the universe and source of all power and moral authority; the supreme being. One concept that Jesus often promoted in His teaching about God is our Heavenly Father.

A father has many roles: teacher, provider, and disciplinarian, to name a few. It’s the discipline part that can be one of the hardest aspects of God to accept. However, when we consider the words in Hebrews 12:5-7, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son. So, endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. For what children are not disciplined by their fathers? … (9) How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! … “God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness.”

God’s goal is that we would emulate His character; but how could we ever match up? Consider Genesis 22:1-14 when Abraham was called to offer up his one and only son as a sin-sacrifice. The amazing thing is that Abraham was willing to do whatever it took to be faithful to God; He trusted the promises of God. How does our faith match up? He was willing to go through the discipline (the action of conforming to God’s character). Or as Hebrews 12:11 continues, “[Discipline] produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Our Heavenly Father wants us to enjoy the peace that makes up His nature and that He is earnestly helping us embrace. As our children grow older, we will see if our loving instruction worked in their lives or not. Our children’s actions can become a great source of pride or a painful regret.

Proverbs 19:18, “Discipline your children while there is hope. If you don't, you will ruin their lives.” (NLT) It’s important that children learn self-control from someone who loves them and only wants the best for them. And we can see how God disciplined us so that we can be like Him.

Consider the great lengths that God has gone to show loving discipline to His followers. Jesus came to offer us a better life—an abundant life (John 10:10), a life with a peace-filled purpose (Ephesians 2:10), and an eternal life (John 17:3, John 3:16)!

Think about the sacrifices your father made. He might not have been perfect since no earthly father is, but did he try to do what was best for you? Sadly, not everyone can say that about their earthly father, but we have a Heavenly Father who is willing and able to offer a wonderful life to those who will accept His loving discipline and instruction.