Raise your hand if you enjoy discipline. What? No hands! I used to be punished severely for things like getting a B or not doing what my mom said to do immediately. By severely, I mean large sticks and what mama called a “switchin’.” I bore marks on my legs and back for days because when I say severe, I mean, she took out her anger on me. That, however, is not an example of discipline, just in case you were wondering.

The American Heritage Dictionary online says that discipline is “Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement.” Notice that discipline is training, not physical abuse. Consequences may be necessary, but the consequences fit the misbehavior, not always the same thing administered the same way.

God disciplines us because we are His children and I am thankful for His discipline. His correction often turns me around from the wrong way and heads me back in the wrong direction. I never feel scolded wrongfully after discipline from God. I always know I needed it, and I also know that He wouldn’t discipline me if He didn’t truly love me.

As our children grew up, we didn’t want them to think that “anything goes” as the current society tends to teach. We wanted them to know that there are family norms, societal norms and Biblical expectations. They knew that stepping into the road without looking both ways could end in great bodily harm, and we backed that rule up with physical consequences. But if they “forgot” to clean their room, then their punishment was no extracurricular activities until it was done. I must say, without desiring to sound as though I am bragging, that all three of our children are contributing members of society and turned out pretty well. (With the disclaimer that somehow two of them married liberals and are therefore leaning left.)

That being said, remember that God disciplines us for our good. He doesn’t want us getting hurt (like running into traffic) or to be disrepectful (like not following rules). He also wants to have a close relationship with us and that comes when He disciplines and we accept that discipline and make the necessary change to be more like Him. We want to always be more godlike and less like our human, sinful self. God forgives over and over and He has great patience with us, disciplining us sometimes over and over for the same infraction. He wants us to grow, not stay as we are in a stagnant pond. It’s all about being willing to partake of the living water instead of insisting on our own potion that we think we bring happiness..

So, discipline from God? Yes, please. (Although this may not be my attitude at the time). Discipline from other Christians who have our best interest at heart? That is a “yes” also. If you still have children at home or are helping to raise other children, remember it’s all about training, not forcing your will on them. Be a Godlike person who disciplines in love, for love and with the result of training for growth.