the basic message # E78
Hebrews 12:7-8
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. (New International Version)
The King James version says “bastards” instead of “illegitimate children”, and I think that’s really a more appropriate way to say it. Discipline seems to be a bad word in our world today. I frequently witness kids throwing temper-tantrums in public while the parent just stands by doing nothing. A little discipline (like a swat on the butt) is the only thing a child can really understand sometimes. As a Christian, do you feel a swat now and then? If not, maybe you’re a bastard. Personally, I prefer being a true son over a bastard, and I’ve been both. As we begin a new year, many of us will make “resolutions”. How many New Years resolutions have you kept? Making resolutions is easy, but keeping them is the tough part. Forget resolutions and open yourself to discipline from God.
Hebrews 12:11
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.
I did a “tour of duty” in a prison ministry program two years ago, and I think I can safely say that most prisons are largely populated by people unable or unwilling to receive direction and discipline. As a result, they must receive direction by force. Prison life isn’t the picnic that the public thinks it is, at least not at Angola Penitentiary, but maybe inmates are fortunate in a way. How? Their mistakes in life have relegated them to a controlled setting in which they are given few choices or options. “Freemen” as the inmates call us, are often so busy with our families, jobs, homes, etc., that we frequently lose focus on our relationship with God. An inmate, having limited choices, often turns to the Bible to better understand his responsibilities to God. Sadly, we convince ourselves that taking care of our families and responsibilities is somehow guaranteeing us a place in Heaven. Sorry folks, but Hell is inhabited by some of the hardest-working, finest mothers and fathers that ever existed. All together now: God’s priority for each and every one of us is our salvation. Without that, we have nothing- zero, zip, nada. Do we really think God will give us Brownie points for doing “stuff”? Apparently, many churches promote this on the same level as salvation, since they put great emphasis on “programs” and the like. Here’s the only program you need to know:
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial. Because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Do you want the crown of life? Then invite Christ into your heart and love God. How do you go about loving God? Take a look at the first scripture above, and consider what it means to be a good son (or daughter). When a child really loves and respects a parent, he will do anything he can to make the parent proud of him. I want God to be proud of me- do you?