What is the process God uses to develop maturity in our lives?
This purpose of reproducing Christ in the lives of others is the most important task of a parent. We must guide our children in the development of godliness in their lives. We must also be sure they understand that whole process so they may do the same in their children as well as with those they will come to know over the years. God has a specific process He uses to make this possible. Therefore, we must understand this process for ourselves as well as our children. Look at the letters Peter wrote. The people were suffering and wondering why. If God saved them and they are His children why should they suffer? In his first letter, Peter shows them that if they had done something wrong they deserve to suffer. But if they didn't do something wrong and they were suffering unjustly they were following in the footstep of Jesus. (2 Peter 2) Then in Peter's second letter, he comments that if we share in the divine nature then we need to endure a process so we may mature to the point of fruitfulness. (2 Peter 1:4-11). Peter mentions eight steps or eight callings for the Christian to experience in order to become mature fruit bearing children of God. These eight steps are illustrated below along with other Scriptures that highlight each calling. (I adapted the main idea for this chart from the Institute in Basic Life Principles) (I'll never understand why the html version moves a letter from its original spot... so much for technology!)
What is the best motive for discipline?
In the profusion of books and the accompanying authorities there is a misconception that continues. Many in our country believe that love and discipline do not mix just as water and oil stay separate. On the contrary it is a firm conviction of the Bible that love and discipline do mix. In fact, love is the authoring motivation for discipline. The Bible says, "…The Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son." Hebrews 12:6 This is true because it is the disciplined life that will yield "the peaceful fruit of righteousness". Hebrews 12:11 God knows the potential in each life. He knows that discipline is what will unleash that potential to achieve all that lies before the individual. If you love someone you want the best for them. Though the momentary affliction of discipline is a difficult medicine to swallow, the joyous fruit for years to come will be worth every temporary tear.
"He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored." Proverbs 13:18 Consider this passage from proverbs and note the various key elements to life linked to the discipline of a son. Proverbs 10:1-5 "The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother. Ill-gotten gains do not profit, But righteousness delivers from death. The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger, But He will thrust aside the craving of the wicked. Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.
This is true not only in finances, careers, and even in sports, but it is true in relationships. Proverbs 29:15 states, "The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother." I can usually tell early which mothers and fathers are preparing their children to bring grief or joy to them when they are older. So let me ask you now, is it loving to let a child follow the foolishness bound up in its heart to bring shame to themselves and their parents. Or, is it more loving to exercise patient disciplined that imparts wisdom and understanding along with the flow of tears? I am convinced that the latter path is the choice of God. It is therefore the one that comes from a loving heart.
Let me share one more thing about love and discipline. When love is coupled with discipline, the parent will be on the "potter's wheel" as well as the child. Note how God did not spare His own son but in so loving the world gave Him to be atonement for our sin. This was a very high price for God and required discipline on His part. In the same way, when a parent loves a child and exercises discipline, there will be an appropriate amount of pain suffered by the parent. There will be lessons learned by the parent. There will be a bonding between the child and parent as the child respects the parent and the parent empathizes and learns with the child. I have learned more about myself and my weaknesses by disciplining my own children than I could have learned in a life time of sermons. I have also learned and become more successful in my own life as a result. This brings us to our next insight.
