Hebrews 12:6 "For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children."
The author of Hebrews tells us that God disciplines those he loves, much like a father or mother disciplines their own children. And that is exactly who we are if we are followers of Jesus-we are God's children. He loves us, cares for us, and like a good parent, he disciplines and corrects us when needed.
I have two children. Ellie is eight and Jack is seven and I love them more than anything! As their dad, I want great things for them. And I know the best thing I can do for them is to discipline them. It's not easy and it's never fun, but as their dad I must do it. Parents understand this. I need to understand my relationship with God is similar but with God, I'm not in charge! In what ways do I need some "disciplining" today? What areas of my life could use some correction? In what ways does God need to put me in a "time out?" What do I need to be "grounded" from? Maybe like a smart kid, I can recognize my faults BEFORE dad finds out and has to take the car keys away!
Dear Jesus, help me be obedient to your discipline and correction today. Amen.
