When God withdraws His discipline
Good morning brethren, I like to write on what I have themed
“When God withdraws His discipline.” In relationship to Christianity, what is
discipline? God’s discipline also known as chastisement, rebuke or even
correction is, in fact, a sign of God’s love for His children, and we are
admonished not to lose heart when we experience it. This topic is important to
me because of the way many believers neglect or even respond to the topic of
discipline when mentioned. Please note that discipline is training, a training
can be in both positive and negative aspects. A part of discipline involves
guiding a person to follow certain rules while the other part involves reproof
to correct disobedience. Both aspects of discipline can be considered tough.
We read how Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 recounted
his trials and discipline but later emerged from this trial victorious and
rewarding (2 Timothy 4:7- 8). Perhaps we can look at why God disciplines
believers, it is important to remember that God is a good Father. Humanly speaking, parents believes that
children may not reach their full potential without training and discipline.
For example to be a good athlete, you must go through serious training or discipline.
God's discipline is often portrayed as a father disciplining his child, with
the intention to correct and guide therefore to
withdraw this discipline could be seen as a sign of God's displeasure.
God’s discipline is not to punish us but rather to demonstrate His love for us,
to make us more mature, to increase our capacity for virtue, to keep us on the
right path, for us to grow in faith, to purify us from sin, etc. Scripture in
James 1:2-4 says
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come
your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your
faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when
your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing
nothing.” I can humbly summarise that God’s discipline is to bring believers to
maturity and holiness. If discipline is withdrawn people will do what they like
and think it is right in their eyes. Proverbs 14:12 says “There is a way that
seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to destruction”. If God withdraw
discipline, people might feel less inclined to repent or change their
behaviour, this can lead to increased sin. Finally, I like to touch on the
dangers or consequences of refusing discipline. Such an individual could become
a fool, Proverbs 1:7 says The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge:
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Another consequence is the
individual can be exposed to destruction, Proverbs 15:10 says “whoever abandons
the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will
die.” Refusing discipline can lead an individual astray, Proverbs 5:23 says “He
shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go
astray.” Refusing discipline can brings poverty and shame to people, Proverbs
13:18 says “Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he
that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.”
In conclusion to refuse discipline can mean an individual
have no self-value, Proverbs 15:32a says “He that refuseth instruction
despiseth his own soul:” The Psalmist says in Psalm 141:5 says, "Let a
righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my
head; let my head not refuse it". Service is for 10.30am and workers
meeting is for 10am. God’s blessings