On Discipline // Hebrews 12:11

Isn’t this verse true? No one likes to be disciplined, yet discipline is critical. For starters, I think it’s important to delineate the difference between discipline and punishment. Punishment is essentially revenge for a past failure. Discipline, on the other hand, is about shaping behavior for future success. So, when we read in today’s verse that discipline produces a harvest of righteousness for those who have been trained by it, we see that God’s desire for us is to be ready for what’s to come. We will undoubtedly face triumphs and trials alike. This is why we refer to certain practices of faith as spiritual disciplines; practices such as Bible study, worship, prayer, fasting, giving, and service. These disciplines draw us closer to God and each other as we all seek to be more like Jesus. So, what discipline are you facing right now? What lessons can you learn? How might it help you grow stronger in your faith and more confident in your hope?