DISCIPLINE IN LOVE

God as Father means ~ that discipline = LOVE.

Definition: Daddy

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.

~ Revelation 3:19 ~

When I think about the holiness of God and the fallen nature of human beings, discipline just makes sense. As parents we are called to train up our children. Often times that means making the tough calls and letting our children suffer the consequences of poor decisions. The Bible says that the Father's discipline is proof of His love. Although it may be painful, and can cause cheek blushing humiliation, God's correction and reproof are always administered with love and grace. God always has our best in mind, regardless of what form his tenderness takes.

The apostle John received a vision from God toward the end of his life. This treasure was recorded for the seven churches in Asia, and for Christians throughout history. Painting a colorful and panoramic picture of Christ, John speaks mostly of the end times - a season when Christ will return.

Read Revelation 3:14-21. Here John speaks to the wealthiest of the seven churches, Laodicea. Because of their acquired wealth, they no longer felt that they needed anything from the Lord. The people had become luke warm to Christ's message. They were neither hot nor cold. Their hearts had become hardened, their eyes terribly blinded.

Their own mistakes were what caused God's warning of discipline. Complacency, apathy and one too many shrugs of indifference were just about all that God was going to put up with. The Lord's heart is terrible troubled by somebody who appears to have it all together, when in reality their hearts are far from Him. Where do you stand in light of this teaching? Has your passion for the Lord been snuffed out by a lukewarm glass of water? Have you settled for mediocrity, when God promised a life of power and purpose?

Whatever the Lord might be bringing to your mind, repent - earnestly. The Lord waits patiently on the other side of the door. He wants desperately to bless you, but our Lord is a gentleman - He will not force anything on you. God will not crack that door of opportunity for you, without a humble and repentant knock.

Precious Jesus, the Bible paints a glorious picture of your life, death, resurrection and return to earth. Our hearts groan with longings to finally be home. But the appointed time has not come. There is much you want to teach us while we roam this place called the world. Give us discernment to know when each precious stone of remembrance needs to be tucked away for safe keeping. Provide us with the courage we need to share the lessons You have imparted. Surround us with songs of deliverance, as we embrace Your careful and justified discipline. Stir the pot of indifference in each one of our hearts, and rekindle the fire that once burned so bright.