When I think back to being a child there are a host of random memories that come to mind. It’s worth stating that I had a very happy childhood and so many of those memories are fun filled holidays, events, and moments that make me smile. It wasn’t all perfect of course. Tucked in there as well are moments that were less fun, moments of pain, moments I was afraid, moments I was upset. The brain has an uncanny knack for holding onto a mixture of these memories.

One vivid memory I have been thinking about today is one that wasn’t my favourite. It was the day when my dad caught me out because I had stolen money from him. I was around 8 or 9 and while the amount was low, my intention was true. I’d been counting my piggy bank and was unsatisfied with the £12 I had gathered (yes, I even remember the amount!). I saw change stacked up on dads bedside table and decided to top up my savings. I didn’t hide my crime well and was promptly found out. Lets just say my dad was not happy and quite rightly. It sticks out as the most angry I’d ever seen him and his discipline worked – I’m not sure I ever stole again.

Its that word discipline that I want to talk about in this post. My reading in the Bible today led me to Hebrews chapter 12.

My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:5b-6

These words from the writer are a combination of teachings from the psalms and proverbs that talk more about the Lords discipline. The word discipline in the Greek means ‘training, instruction, education, for the purpose of better behaviour.’ We see the root of this word used in the word disciple, something I had never even thought about until writing this post. There are also a few instances where the word it is used in the Scriptures in a more severe way (punishment) but it’s more often used in the context of training, instruction, eduction.

The writer goes on to talk about human discipline from our fathers. They write that this discipline helped us respect them and actually showed us that we were true sons and daughters.

Here is where I started to realise I’ve missed something when it comes to understanding discipline. When I think of it in a ‘father disciplining a child sense’ the word creates a negative emotion in me. I want to be clear again here – my parents never overstepped the mark when it came to discipline – I don’t believe its a scar from my childhood. But I rarely think of discipline in terms of education or training. Instead I think of getting in trouble, doing something wrong, being disobedient, even a forceful, cruel kind of thing. That’s seems strange to me because I understand the word differently when I think about it’s use in other contexts of my life. I go to my gym and have disciplined myself to form that pattern. I have disciplined my mornings to get up early and spend time with Jesus. Even as a dad I discipline my own son… but only because I care so deeply for him.

The writer to the Hebrews then moves off talking about earthly discipline and moves onto the Lords discipline.

They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. Hebrews 12:10

God disciplines us for our good. There is a holiness and an inheritance that he has in store for us, but in order for us to receive this in its fullness we must be trained, instructed, and educated. That sounds fun and not painful at all. Does that mean that discipline should not be hard? The writer clears that up quickly.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

This of course makes sense. Learning anything new is a humbling process. We are having to do something that feels unfamiliar and uncertain, and that often involves us unlearning things that have felt familiar and certain. I remember my first paid job as a 17 year old as a drinks waiter. I remember learning the processes, drinks, manners etc. that were required. I remember how awkward it felt and I keenly remember making mistakes and how I upset my manager as well as costing the establishment money! It wasn’t fun….. but I did learn.

Spiritually we can feel the same. Until we meet Jesus we are ruled by our human nature. A nature that falls short of Gods best for us. In order to produce a harvest of righteousness, something we would all like to share in, we will require discipline. We will need training, education, and instruction. We will need to unlearn some old patterns of behaviour – patterns we might be rather fond of. We are going to get some things wrong, me are likely to disappoint some people around us.

But the reward is more than worth it.

I need to reposition my mind and heart when it comes to discipline. Instead of hearing the negative, not good enough context I’ve locked in, I need to fully embrace the fact that I am loved deeply as the reason for the Lords discipline. He has so much in store for me, but I cannot access it in my current state. I need educated, trained, and instructed.

I need discipline!!