Discipline: It’s HOT!
- Lori Ogilbee
- Oct 4, 2024
- 3 min read
“God’s discipline is not meant to harm us, but to transform us. We are being cultivated into a life of integrity, holiness and a deeper sense of peace.”
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11
Discipline. There are often negative connotations associated with that word. It makes us think of correction, discomfort, and punishment. It’s not a “warm” term that we want to embrace eagerly. This verse reminds us that while it’s painful for the moment, it holds a deeper purpose. It’s about being shaped into something new while we embrace the hardship. Sometimes, it’s about God protecting us from something harmful because He loves us enough to know we are making bad choices.
My grandson just turned 18 months old, and this summer, he started to say lots of new words and apply their meanings. (He says my name now, “Lolli” and I challenge you to find something cuter in this entire world!) One of his favorite things to say is “HOT!” while holding his index finger up and enthusiastically pulling it backwards as if touching something hot. Anytime my daughter is cooking or grilling outside, he marches around the house announcing that it’s “HOT!” He’s learned through the love of his mama that touching something hot will cause pain and harm to him. Even though the sizzle and smell of food cooking is enticing and tempting to him, he’s learned that there is a painful consequence for pursuing that temptation.
Isn’t that like God’s love for us? Without His discipline, we would likely fall into harmful habits or choices. His correction is a sign of His involvement in our lives. He is committed to our growth and spiritual development. In the midst of the challenges, when we want the pain to stop, we may question why God allows our difficulties. This verse encourages us to look beyond the immediate discomfort to the promise of what discipline produces: righteousness and peace.
God’s discipline is not meant to harm us, but to transform us. We are being cultivated into a life of integrity, holiness and a deeper sense of peace. There’s a key point in this verse that I don’t want to overlook. This discipline is only effective when we yield to it and allow it to shape us. If we resist His discipline or become bitter, we miss the growth opportunity.
If we embrace the correction with a humble heart, we will experience the “harvest” of a life aligned with His will.
Action Steps:
Are there areas in your life where God is disciplining you right now? How are you responding? Are you like me, often strong-willed and initially resistant, making it harder to embrace what God wants to do in your life?
How can you respond more openly, knowing that God is working for your good?
Take a moment to thank God for His loving correction and the growth that it will provide in your life
Prayer: God, I ask you to soften my will. Allow me to understand that You are working for my good through the discipline that You’re giving me. Give me the wisdom to embrace the change, and the perseverance to come out on the other side, reflecting on the good that You’ve done in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by Lori, mom of 2, Lolli of 2