Hebrews 12:7-11 The Message (MSG)
I love children and I have always thought being a mom was one of my biggest callings from the Lord; it certainly has been one of my greatest pleasures. I read an article yesterday that contrasted parenting styles of today vs. thirty years ago. I don’t think I was a harsh parent, but I certainly did not seek to reason nor negotiate every little issue with my children. In fact, some things were non-negotiable. I did not start every sentence with the question, “Would you like to…” Challenges to our wills can be great for disciplining our character; it gets our focus off self and onto a bigger purpose. In fact, God uses that Parenting style all the time. Never forget God is educating you in his ways of love.
Hebrews 12:-7-11 God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.
Prayer: Father, after all these years you are still training me in the paths of righteousness. New challenges to my will simply open me up for better blessings. Thank you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.