21 Day jumpstart

11  My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12  for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. - Proverbs 3:11-12 

Let’s be honest, it's not always easy to receive any kind of constructive feedback. Feedback can come from a boss, a co-worker, parent, spouse or friend. God reminds us that being corrected in life is actually a sign of love and compassion, especially when it comes from Him. It is never something we are longing for but, correction, especially biblical correction, is a much-needed growth tool in our lives. 

A father who truly loves his children will correct them appropriately. When a father leaves sins we have done and failings uncorrected it is not a sign of love, it is actually a sign of indifference. Warren Wiersbe states that “Sometimes He chastens (disciplines) because we have rebelled and need to repent; there are times he chastens (disciplines) to see us from sinning and to prepare us for HIs special blessing. No matter how much the experience hurt us, it will never harm us, because God always chastens (disciplines) in love”

It is important to understand that just as our Heavenly Father disciplines us, we too are to discipline our children. I am not saying that it is easy, but we must help them to see where they might have missed the mark. When we take time to help them to see this, we are living out the fact that we care for their well-being and that we want the best for them.

There is also value in being honest and speaking this sort of correction to those we love beyond our family. James 5:17 talks about the value of confessing your sins one to another and praying for one another. We do this to add value to others and shut down the lies the enemy is speaking over you. When you are willing to confront and hear, as well as share your sins with another you take away the enemy’s power to hold it over you. 

When it comes to temptation in our lives and the desire to run towards sin which will inevitably bring destruction to us, praise God, He disciplines us. Praise God, He convicts us. Praise God, He teaches us not to go back to that sin, not to go back to that temptation- because He loves us and delights in us, as our Father in heaven.

We too, delight in our children just as He delights in us. It is in that delight that we discipline. 

Is there a sin in your life you need to confess? Is there something you see in a friend’s life that you may need to connect with them about? 

All scripture references come from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

You can learn more about Known Legacy or support its ministry at www.knownlegacy.org

These Devos are created in partnership between Trent Brown of C3 Church in Rowlett, Texas and Bill Yuhasz.

trent@c3rowlett.com

bill@knownlegacy.org