Uncomfortable (S1) - Day 33

Discipline is not a word that anyone really likes. This text deals with discipline as a positive showing of love from the father. He begins by preaching a little sermon on Proverbs 3:11-12. These ancient proverbs still speak to us. God is bound to his children as just that, a father to his children. We are children of God, and we have all the benefits as well as all the relational realities of having a heavenly father. 

In other words, there are times when children need correcting and discipline. We know that discipline is uncomfortable, but true love demands this kind of action. Without it, are we really loved at all? If we are not disciplined by our parents, then are we just ignored and ultimately abandoned. The hard work, the uncomfortable work of love, is often not snuggles, but correction. 

No one likes this. And that is okay. 

But love does not mean that we are always well-liked. 

So how does God discipline us? A few ways that maybe we haven’t thought of. 

1. The sermon each week. Yes, that can be a corrective. I don’t know how many times people have come to me after a sermon and said “I didn’t like what you had to say today, but it was for me!” It is amazing to me that this happens as often as it does, but that is the way the Sacred Echo works in our lives. 
2. The scriptures. Our daily study of scripture can remind us of the way that God would have us go. There is nothing that is as constant in our spiritual lives than scripture, if we choose to go to them. This is why we build these series guides, so we will all become comfortable living this life of discipline from God through Scriptures. 
3. Accountable Relationships. Every Christian should have people who keep them on the right path. People who can speak truth into their lives without judgment, but with love. 
4. Family. Sometimes it is hard to hear the words of correction from those who know and love us the most. But sometimes those are the words from the people that we need to hear them from. 

How do you like to be disciplined? And will you listen to God when it happens? 

1. How does God speak correction into your life? 
2. Does it come from love or judgment? 
3. How do you take it when it comes? 
4. How can you help nudge people that you have an accountable relationship with in the right direction?