disciplines for the disciple
"Do not disdain the discipline of the Lord nor lose heart when He reproves you; for whom the Lord loves, He disciplines." —Hebrews 12:5-6
The Lord commands us neither to disdain His discipline nor lose heart when we receive it. To obey these commands, it would be helpful to know what His discipline is. Some think every suffering is the discipline of the Lord. Yet is arthritis, pneumonia, or a car accident God's discipline? Keys to recognizing the Lord's discipline are:
- Is this discipline making you a better disciple of Jesus?
- Are peace and justice the fruits of this discipline? (Heb 12:11)
- Is this something a loving father would do for His child? (Heb 12:7)
Examples of the Father's discipline are:
- taking away some of our possessions,
- letting us fail,
- grounding us,
- limiting our time for eating, sleeping, and entertainment,
- making us work hard and long,
- giving us dryness in prayer,
- bringing troublesome people into our lives, and
- not letting us have our way.
Do not disdain the disciplines of the Lord (Heb 12:5).
Prayer: Father, may I let You father me through Your provision, affection, teaching, correction, and discipline.
Promise: "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all His benefits." —Ps 103:2
Praise: St. John Bosco taught service and humility, "the method that Jesus used with the apostles!"
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Accepting Correction on audio AV 77-1 or video V-77.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2006
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