Proverbs 29
Proverbs 29
“The rod and reproof give wisdom,
But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” Proverbs 29:15
Let’s talk about discipline. That one word gives me flashbacks to my childhood. I was well acquainted with correction and discipline growing up, but now I am deeply thankful because it made me the man I am today. My guess is that I am not alone in that thankfulness. Whether you had good or bad parents, the reproof and discipline you received molded you into a better person. Why, then, do we often see the discipline of our perfect, loving, heavenly Father as a negative thing?
We have been fully justified and saved by the work of Christ, but our sanctification is ongoing. Our hearts are still sinful, but scripture tells us that we are “being transformed into the same image (Christ) from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:18). See, God is not content to leave us in our childlike state. “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Heb 12:6). He loves us - so he disciplines and reproves us to give us wisdom. That doesn’t mean we will enjoy the rod of correction from the Lord, but it’s my prayer that we would embrace it with a thankful heart. In the midst of his correction let your heart be soft and moldable.
“He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
will suddenly be broken beyond healing.” Proverbs 29:1
Family Discussion
1. What is a childhood lesson you’ll NEVER EVER EVER forget? How are you thankful for that discipline?
2. Read Hebrews 12:6. How can you see God’s love through his discipline in your life?
3. Is the Lord trying to teach you something right now? How should you respond?
By: Joe Weaver
“The rod and reproof give wisdom,
But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” Proverbs 29:15
Let’s talk about discipline. That one word gives me flashbacks to my childhood. I was well acquainted with correction and discipline growing up, but now I am deeply thankful because it made me the man I am today. My guess is that I am not alone in that thankfulness. Whether you had good or bad parents, the reproof and discipline you received molded you into a better person. Why, then, do we often see the discipline of our perfect, loving, heavenly Father as a negative thing?
We have been fully justified and saved by the work of Christ, but our sanctification is ongoing. Our hearts are still sinful, but scripture tells us that we are “being transformed into the same image (Christ) from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:18). See, God is not content to leave us in our childlike state. “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Heb 12:6). He loves us - so he disciplines and reproves us to give us wisdom. That doesn’t mean we will enjoy the rod of correction from the Lord, but it’s my prayer that we would embrace it with a thankful heart. In the midst of his correction let your heart be soft and moldable.
“He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
will suddenly be broken beyond healing.” Proverbs 29:1
Family Discussion
1. What is a childhood lesson you’ll NEVER EVER EVER forget? How are you thankful for that discipline?
2. Read Hebrews 12:6. How can you see God’s love through his discipline in your life?
3. Is the Lord trying to teach you something right now? How should you respond?
By: Joe Weaver
1 Comment
A childhood lesson I'll never forget - In 4th grade, I had two best friends that I spent the night with regularly. "Banana" & I went to the same church, while "Cassiopeia" & I did homeschool together at my house since she lived two doors down the street. One night they both asked me to a sleepover, and I wanted to go to "Banana's" house since I didn't get to see her as much. But "Cassiopeia" had asked first; and I knew my parents would say I should go with the one who'd asked me first. I knew God hates lying but I also knew that the other kids in the neighborhood often lied to get what they wanted; so this time I didn't even mention "Cassiopeia's" request to my parents, but just got their approval for "Banana's" request and then lied by telling "Cassiopeia" that my parents had said no. Now, I've always been a bad liar; so I'm guessing I probably smirked while delivering the deceitful & selfish news. Although I didn't technically get "in trouble" for this lie because my parents didn't find out about it till much later, I still had the "discipline" of seeing my friend's crestfallen expression as she walked away in disappointment. By choosing selfishness & deceit, I really hurt one of my best friends. I've never forgotten that lie & its hurtful effects. God has definitely used that situation to help me be an honest person, and it felt so good when Hr gave me a chance to come clean with my old friend a few years ago while working through the making-amends worksheet from Celebrate Recovery's "12 steps."