endure hardships

"Endure hardships as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their Father?" (Hebrews 11:7)

Growing up, I often remember being disciplined by my parents. It seemed like every little mistake I made, they would discipline me. Whether it was saying a bad word, speaking in a tone of voice that was disrespectful, my body language, my attitude, etc. If I didn't behave they would let me know.

That makes it sound like they were the most strict parents in the world, which they were not. They were amazing.

See, growing up I didn't understand the values that they were instilling in Jack and I. I didn't understand the value in them discipling us and making sure that we were always on our best behavior. At the time I was childish.

I distinctly remember whenever I would have to be disciplined for something my parents would always tell me it was because they loved me. No matter how happy they were with me or how upset, they always make it known to me that they loved me so much more than I could ever imagine.

I believe we too often look at being disciplined as a bad thing.

Let me ask you this...Who loves his child more-the father who allows the child to do what will harm him, or the one who corrects, trains, and even punishes the child to help him learn what is right? It's never pleasant to be corrected and disciplined by God, but his discipline is a sign of his deep love for us. When God corrects you, see it as proof of his love, and ask him what he is trying to teach you.

Whether it's God, your parents, your boss, co-workers etc. If they really try to help you, it's because they care for you, love you, and want to see you become the best version of yourself.

I know I wouldn't be who I am today if it wasn't for people in my life discipling me...correcting me, training me, and sometimes even punishing me to help me learn what was right.

I challenge you to change your approach on discipline, because it's a sign of God's amazing love for us!