Reviews and Views

Discipline…Why?

Perhaps, like many of us, you have wondered why do bad things seem to happen to people we know that do good for others. The writer of Hebrews asks a related question, “…for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” found in the 12th chapter of Hebrews, verse 7. The implied answer is NONE. For every true child of God is disciplined at one time or another. Since every child is unique, then God knows exactly how to be most effective with each individual believer. So we now know that all of God’s children do suffer.

Psalms 34:19 states “Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” In John 16:33 Jesus says, “In the world you shall have tribulations; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” And the apostle Paul stated, “…all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” in 2 Timothy 3:12. And there are probably many other references in Scripture if time allowed.

Why then do believers in Jesus Christ suffer at all? I turned to one of my favorite bible scholars, J. Vernon McGee, to see what he had learned over so many years in ministry and his own suffering. He listed seven reasons which are summarized below.

Causes of suffering are because:
(1) of our own stupidity or foolishness and our own sin,
(2) we took a stand for truth and righteousness,
(3) we suffer for sin in our lives which are not dealt with yet,
(4) of our past sins; though forgiven, the fruit of that sin may linger,
(5) of some lofty purpose of God which He does not always reveal to the believer,
(6) of one’s faith in God, and
(7) of discipline. This is training in righteousness; not punishment. Our discipline is an example of God’s love for us.

At times, I wonder if I have been disciplined enough. Discipline is not something I look forward to experiencing. It usually proves to be uncomfortable for me. But I trust that God wants the best for me and He can be trusted on the when, the how, the method, and the length necessary to accomplish in me what He wishes to accomplish.

Thank you for spending your time with me. Hopefully, this was helpful to someone.

March 24, 2021 - Posted by Bill Wyler | Bible, Life, Religion