This Proverb says, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” God is our Heavenly Father. As a father He disciplines those He deems to be His children. Who are His children? The Bible says that those who believe in God and Jesus Christ are His children.
When we become one of God’s children we desire to obey Him and live according to His Word, the Bible. However, like children we sometimes disobey God and act contrary to His Word. When we do that, God disciplines us so that we will be motivated to obey Him.
King David, who God considered to be ‘a man after God’s own heart,’ sinned or disobeyed God on occasion. God then disciplined David so that David would turn from sin. David wrote in one of his Psalms, “Before I was afflicted, I went astray.”
Therefore, if we believe in God and live by His Word, we should expect to be disciplined when we sin or act contrary to God’s Word. When we are afflicted we should realize that it is for our own good. We should be grateful that God considers us to be one His children. Additionally, we should realize the linkage between God’s discipline and our sins. We will then be motivated to turn from sin and return to living by God’s Word.
During our lifetime here on Earth God will mold and shape us to be people that will be suitable to be in God’s Heaven. The Bible says that our momentary afflictions here on Earth are minor compared to the glory that awaits us in Heaven. We should therefore embrace God’s discipline and keep our focus on the goal of reaching Heaven.
