SEPTEMBER 30, Isaiah 57:18

Have you ever seen cases of awful conduct from children? Perhaps they were rude, or inconsiderate, or unkind, or proud; the list goes on. One of the cases I have seen occurred in a supermarket. A lady was trying to push the trolley and get some marketing done, but her child was insistent on having something he wanted. When she refused, he started throwing a tantrum and crying loudly to embarrass her.

We know all of us have been naughty. When was the last time you were disciplined? Do you like being disciplined? Well, does anyone ever like being disciplined? I guess not. But we know discipline is good and necessary. Discipline can come in different ways; our parents may actually have to spank us for serious offences, or scold us, or restrict our liberties, or have us stand in some “naughty corner”. However, if and when we truly repent, our parents will lovingly embrace us again. Why do they do that? Simple - because they are our parents! Remember that parents do not like to punish their children, but it is a responsibility that they must fulfil.

God is like that, too. When we go astray or when we sin against Him, He will have to punish or discipline us for our own sake. God does not delight in disciplining us but when He sees us falling into sin such as mixing with bad company and not allowing the Holy Spirit to control our lives, He will intervene and bring us back to Him.

Don’t assume that because you were raised in church, you are immune from all the temptations faced by other kids. There are many kids from families of long-time Christians who have rejected their parent’s teaching and have made some terrible choices in life.

Always remember, discipline is good for you and after discipline, God will want to restore you to Himself, so that your walk with Him will be right again.

Thought: If ever disciplined, may I be grateful and return to the Father.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, do keep me close to Thee. Should I fall along the way and be chastised or disciplined, help me to accept it as from a loving Father in heaven and to try to walk close to Thee again. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.