Discipline

I’ve just made my peace offerings and fulfilled my vows. You’re the one I was looking for! I came out to find you, and here you are! [Proverbs 7.14-15]

These words sound religious enough, right?

They are the words of a promiscuous woman (married, no less) seducing an unsuspecting young man!

In a loose translation, the verse above could read: "God is okay with us hooking up."

How many pastors have had folks come to them for counseling who say, "God told me to leave my spouse and marry this other person."? I am afraid this happens, all too much.

It is simply not enough to be religious. Religion didn't stop the young man in today's One Year Chronological Bible reading from falling prey to sin and religion won't stop us from falling prey to sin.

No, religion won't help us. However, a relationship with God is essential. But, we must understand that a relationship with God is all about discipline.

Knowing God's Word is much different that just knowing about God's Word. The difference is Truth. The young man in this story today knew about God evidently because the woman's religious reference was convincing enough for him.

Just because someone wears a cross around their neck or has a cross tattooed on their body, or says religious things does make them a bearer of Truth!

I know many popular preachers today want us to believe that its all smiles and good confessions, but, the Bible does not support that - the Bible (and Jesus, I might add) supports discipline. Discipline is not just an Old Testament thing - it is very much New Testament. 

Truth and discipline sleep in the same bed!

Discipline prevents carelessness. Discipline finds Truth. The young man in the story was not out looking for sin, but the tone of the story is that he was careless. Discipline is not about seeing how close one can get to the fire without being burned - discipline makes every preparation and plan to stay as far away from the fire as possible!

Father help us see the need for, and actively pursue, discipline in our lives.