Is discipline a consequence or a gift? The answer depends on where you have rooted your identity. As a little girl, I learned how to gain my parents’ approval from a young age. Be good, do good, be better, do better, don’t be a hassle, don’t make waves. The problem was that no one could always be good, so inevitably, this led to an emphasis on performance: If I appeared “good,” I would be accepted, loved and approved.
When your motivation is striving to be good to gain acceptance, discipline is a consequence, an unacceptable punishment. So, when you do something that requires discipline, it is an unbearable humiliation and blows the facade of being good. You see, for someone who strives to be good all the time, needing discipline is like an explosion to the very core of your identity and is avoided at all costs.
Is discipline a consequence or a gift? Discipline is one of the greatest gifts we could ever receive. Discipline says that your actions will not lead you where you want to go. It’s a reminder that something needs to be recognized, acknowledged, and changed. Discipline humbles us to realize that we do not always get it right, and that is ok. In fact, learning through our mistakes and failings is one of the greatest gifts we have in life.
When everything inside of you wants to reject the humiliation of discipline, sit in that discomfort, pull it a little closer, receive it as a gift, and take it into the next part of your life. God disciplines those He loves, so do not despise His correction. Your spiritual enemy never disciplines you because he hates you; he fuels your pride and comfort and reminds you that you are the victim.
Sin will destroy you. It will separate you from your Creator, and discipline is God’s gift of love to bring you back to the table of provision, where you can find everything you could possibly need. Deal with sin ruthlessly because it wants to master you.
Your Turn: How do you view discipline? Is it a consequence or a gift? We would love to hear from you. Share your response in the comment box below.
