27th April 2024
The discipline of the Lord
When my children were small, we were blessed to have both sets of grandparents living next door. While I appreciated the built-in babysitters, it was the relationships they had with each other that made such a difference in their lives. Once, while my parents were watching the kids, an occasion for a spanking occurred. As my son learned, a little spanking went a long way, especially when administered by my dad. One little swat was all he needed to adjust his attitude. It was a lesson my son remembered for a long time and I believe strengthened their relationship.*
Many people object to spanking these days but at the same time believe the discipline of the Lord is similar to spankings. They imagine God has a huge paddle – with holes in it to make the swats sting more – and he wields it often and with great gusto.
Many, including the Jews in Jesus’ time (John 9), believe God’s discipline comes in the form of physical illnesses or other big trials. But Jesus said in John 9:3 that a man’s blindness wasn’t the result of sin, but so that the works of God would be displayed in him. Because of the love embodied in God’s triune nature, we know he is not holding a paddle in anticipation of punishing any of us. Rather, he is gently and slowly giving us glimpses into his loving mirror. He shows us things about ourselves, traits we maybe weren’t aware of and wish we didn’t have. Of course, it hurts. It’s painful to have your image of yourself shattered and to find out you need a lot more work.
The discipline of the Lord can indeed be painful but it’s nothing to fear. We can thank God for his gentle and loving yet incisive work in our hearts, because everything we experience at the hand of God is done in love for our growth, so we can be more like Jesus – and all without a paddle!
Study by Tammy Tkach
First published on 3 April 2024, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com
* In this paragraph, the author is recounting a story from her past and reflecting on the outcome from her perspective. For the avoidance of doubt, GCI does not endorse, support or encourage spanking as a form of discipline (or any form of corporal punishment). “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”” (Matthew 19:14 NIV)
About the writer:
Tammy Tkach is the Assistant Pastor of the Eugene, Oregon, USA, Grace Communion International congregation. She is a speaker and writer, and publishes a blog at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com
Local congregation:
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