Session 9

Why you should welcome discipline at any age

From Proverbs: A 31-Day Devotional

Childhood meant dealing with many “good” things that seemed devised to make us suffer.

Were we really supposed to believe there was a good reason for checkups, vaccines and terrible tasting cough syrup? Why couldn’t mom just relax a little? Everyone else was wearing those shirts. And what was the big deal with sharing? It just seemed unnatural.

Discipline often frustrated us. But as we grew, we saw how wrong our perspective was — or did we?

“Discipline” comes from a Latin word meaning “pupil.” Discipline is about learning a way of behavior, a way to live. We may think only children need discipline, but Proverbs 29 reminds us about the importance of discipline, no matter how old we are.  

3 Reasons to Welcome Discipline

1. Discipline is a blessing.

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” Discipline seems to hold us back. Our natural tendency is toward what we want. But when we receive Godly instruction, we are blessed. It’s in following Jesus we can enjoy lives free of guilt and sin’s burden.

2. Discipline brings joy.

Discipline hurts at first. We don’t want to face our failures or admit we have room to grow, but temporary discomfort leads to lasting joy. Proverbs 29:6 teaches, “Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.” Getting out of the snare hurts, but there is joy in the healing.

3. Pride gets in the way.

When we experience correction or conviction, we tend to pretend we’re OK the way we are. Proverbs 29:23 reminds us, “Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.” And earlier in the chapter, Proverbs 29:1 states, “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes  will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.” Resisting discipline because of pride puts us in danger. We have to humble ourselves to allow discipline to change us.

Reflect:

• Are you still thinking like a child, believing discipline is useless and restrictive, or are you looking at discipline with a biblical perspective?
• When is the last time a friend offered advice concerning an area where you needed change? What was your response?
• How has God been disciplining you? Are you allowing Him to change you?