February 7, Hebrews 12:7

Nicole, who lived along the Amazon River as a missionary kid, had a unique variety of pets. She especially loved Mickey, her kitten-sized monkey, but he was always a rascal. One day, he scampered to the bookcase and cautiously ran his hand across the tempting, paper-jacketed books. Then he began tearing off strips of paper and shredding them to bits.

“Mickey! What are you doing?” scolded Nicole as she entered the living room. She scooped him up and ruffled his fur. He swished his long bushy tail in aggravation. “Stop ripping the books or you’ll have to go outside,” she threatened. Mickey calmed down, he didn’t like to go outside. Nicole set him down and cleaned up the mess. Mickey turned and picked up his tail, combing his fingers through the long, silky, black fur while Nicole worked. But as soon as she disappeared into her room, Mickey hopped back to the bookcase and resumed the shredding.

The sound of tearing paper filtered down the hall to Nicole. She reappeared and gently but firmly spanked him. “Naughty monkey! Do you want to go outside?” she again asked sternly. She shooed Mickey away from the books and returned to her room.

Mickey immediately scooted back to the bookcase. He was having a great time when he suddenly found himself lifted into the air. He whirled his tail furiously and chattered his disapproval, but he couldn’t pull himself from Nicole’s grip.

“I don’t really want to put you outside, Mickey, but you have to learn to behave!” said Nicole sadly as she opened the door. Suddenly she thought of something. “Now I know how my parents feel when I disobey them,” she murmured. She tossed Mickey lightly down onto the hot cement patio.

As Nicole went back into the house, she thought of something else. When we sin, it must really hurt God to have to punish us, too, but He does it for our good. This story helps us to understand that a little better now.

Thought: Do you try to get away with sin? Your parents love you, but they must sometimes punish you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for today’s reminder that discipline is good for me. I know both my earthly parents and my Heavenly Father have to discipline me because they love me. Please help me to grow in obedience so that I will need less discipline. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.