Good Students

Learning for our three little boys took many forms: yes, a sound paddling worked at times but not always. Sometimes loss of privileges, addition chores or writing Scripture worked best. Proverbs 13:24 says, "He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently."This isn't really about a good-swift-whack to the pants! We must not miss the principle God is teaching here: we all learn by means of discipline. Yes, of course, there is judgment, punishment and consequences for disobedience and infractions; and, for sure, there is an expectation of reform in behavior. In the same way we use discipline to teach our own children, our Heavenly Father also instructs us [adults] by disciplining us. "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD or loathe His reproof, for whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights." (Proverbs 3:11-12). Like parents who love their children use discipline to teach them so God disciplines His children (young and old) to grow them into His nature. "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11). I suppose the "board" of education will always be an option, but let's not forget God's teaching and growing us often come in His stern yet tender discipline. He is Wisest of teachers and He always choose the best methods. We are wise to be good students!