The Reality Behind Discipline

While patrolling the streets of his small town, a new policeman gave a citation for every infraction he could find.  When a car came rushing by, he immediately turned on his siren and lights and pulled over the driver.  The young man jumped from his car and tried to explain his emergency, but the officer perceived the verbal initiative as a threat so he cuffed the man and hauled him off to jail.  Every time the guy tried to speak, the policeman exercised his authority and insisted on silence.   After making the arrest and feeling confident he had demonstrated the complete power of his badge, the policeman started an autocratic monologue with his prisoner.  He smugly said, “Lucky for you, ‘hot rod,’ the chief is at his daughter’s wedding and will be in a good mood when he finally gets here to see you.”  The prisoner replied, “I wouldn’t count on it, Barney. I’m the groom!” (Source unknown)

Sometimes, we do not see things clearly. Sometimes we mistake what is going on for something else. This can be embarrassing at best and tragic at worst.

One thing that is mistaken many times in our lives as Christians is when hard times come our way. We ask the question, “Why is this happening to me?” Hebrews 12:7-11 speaks to this issue very plainly. The author of Hebrews was writing to people who were experiencing intense hard times because of their faith in Jesus. They were being persecuted in terrible ways because they had left the religion they had grown up in to follow Jesus. In this passage, the author reveals to them the reality of these hard situations. He shares with the readers of this letter that these sufferings are actually discipline.

Discipline can be a scary word. For some people, discipline brings up images and memories of times when they were punished for doing something wrong. Some of this discipline may have crossed a line into abuse. The author of Hebrews takes a moment here to show what God’s intentions with discipline are.

Discipline serves as proof that you actually belong to God.

In Hebrews 12:7-8, the author says that when God disciplines His children, it is because He is acting as their Heavenly Father. One of the responsibilities of a parent is to train up a child in the way he or she should go (Proverbs 22:6). Part of this training is to discipline when the child gets out of line. This is to protect them from something worse.

God does not discipline those who do not belong to Him. God is not bound to protect those who will not come to Him by faith from the error of their ways. The Bible calls them “illegitimate children” in Hebrews 12:8.

One question that comes to many Christians’ minds at times is, “Am I really a Christian?” It is okay to ask this question of yourself.

Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless you fail the test. (2 Corinthians 13:5)

One clear indication that you are a Christian is that you are disciplined when sin comes into your life. If you can sin and it does not bother you, then you have some serious problems. God reveals who belong to Him by giving discipline when we need it.

Discipline demonstrates love.

In Hebrews 12:9, the author compares God to our earthly fathers. He talks about how we have earthly fathers who discipline us when we get out of line, and we come to respect them for it. We may not like the discipline at the moment, but as we recognize what was behind it, we respect our earthly parents for the discipline that they gave us.

I can remember going to my parents my senior year of high school with two things. First, I came clean with them about all that I had done behind their backs over the years to the best of my knowledge. As a Christian, it was eating at me that there were things left uncovered and not dealt with. So, we got them in the open. The second thing was I wanted to thank them for the ways that they tried to discipline me because I saw what it was more clearly.

Discipline is done not just for the protection of a child, but as a demonstration of love towards the child. Parents, if you love your children, make discipline a part of their lives. It does not feel good, but it is one of the best ways that you can show a child that you love them. To let a child completely have his or her way all the time and never correct them is to cripple them and set them up for something far worse down the road.

God loves us too much to leave us to ourselves. He knows that the sin within each of us will only bring us death and destruction. Romans 5:8 tells us that God demonstrates His love by letting Jesus take our place when we were the worst we could be, but He also demonstrates His love towards us on a daily basis by discipling us. He wants to keep us from the harm that our selfish desires will bring to us.

Discipline produces righteousness in our lives.

In Hebrews 12:10-11, the author of Hebrews tells us that God disciplines us so that we can share in His holiness and that it might yield fruit of righteousness in our lives when we’ve been trained by it.

It is common to hear someone say, “God’s still working on me!” That is true. We call it the process of sanctification. After a person comes to faith in Jesus Christ, God begins a lifelong process of molding and shaping that person to resemble Jesus. This does not happen automatically. God does not just zap His holiness into us and make us perfect.

There is a reason that the image of us being clay in the potter’s hand is found all throughout the Bible. Clay has to be worked through and through to make it into what it needs to be. It takes time, and often it takes pressure.

There is a form of pottery that comes from Japan known as kintsugi. It is known as the art of “precious scars.” In this process, pottery is taken and broken into pieces. Then, it is put back together using a lacquer mixed with gold. This actually makes the piece more valuable and stronger than it was originally.

God has a plan for each of us. If you belong to Him, meaning that you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, then God wants to more like Himself. This calls for discipline to be present in our lives. It is not that God wants to be a “kill joy,” but rather He wants you to be all the He created you to be.

There are going to be times when you go through hard times. Suffering is not something that we can get away from in this life. But, as the author of Hebrews reminds us, the suffering that a Christian experiences is not without good reason. There may be sin in our lives that God is trying to free us from. There may be lessons that we can learn no other way.

Make no mistake about it, for the one who has trusted Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior, God is your Heavenly Father. He cares for you like no one else has or will. Do not resist His discipline. Rather, embrace it and learn from it. God is using it to complete you!

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Book Review: "You Are Free"

I enjoy reading books. This has not always been the case. In middle and high school, you would hardly ever see me reading anything. In college, something began to change. Maybe it was one of my professors that I admired sharing one of his little rhymes – “you must read to succeed!”

I have found myself devouring books both physical and electronic since I got out of school. You will see authors of various kinds on the bookshelves in my home and office at the church. You will see men who see things very similar to what I do. You will also see men that I differ in viewpoints on. I believe it was Rick Warren who said something along the lines of “if you cannot learn from those you disagree with, then you are in trouble.”

I have enjoyed being a blogger reviewer for HarperCollins Christian Publishing. I have read some really great books through their program. I began to notice one troubling pattern developing: the authors I was reading were all men. As a man, I appreciate having other men speak into my life. I need that. But I also believe that God is using some women to speak into the life of the Church, and they deserve an audience. This is one reason that I signed up to review Rebekah Lyons‘ book, You Are Free and give my honest opinion. 

The Book Itself

You Are Free is a book about experiencing the freedom that Christ died to provide each and every person that puts their trust in Him. Lyons shares a story of how she came to experience freedom in various areas of her life. She reminds readers often throughout the book, “Christ doesn’t say you can be or may be or will be free. He says you are free.” You Are Free contains fifteen chapters, each devoted to a specific area of freedom to experience. 

My Personal Thoughts

I did not know much about Rebekah Lyons other than what my wife had talked to me about. I had read some of her husband’s work (Gabe Lyons), and was a big fan. With Ann Voskamp writing the forward, I thought that this would be worth the read. I was not wrong. 

You Are Free is a great little read for those who are looking for a personal story of what freedom looks like in a person’s life. Lyons uses this entire book to walk the reader down the path of her life with each chapter setting up the next well. I really liked the personalness of this book.  It was much more than just a “how to” book or an information dump… this was a woman sharing her story of what God had done in her life. The vulnerability that Lyons shows is refreshing to see/read. 

Lyons makes sure to use Scripture well throughout this book. Most of the references are footnoted and gives the reader the opportunity to check what God’s word has to say on the various subjects discussed. 

My Recommendation 

I would say that if you are looking for a “how to” book, then you will probably be frustrated with You Are Free. It is just not that (and I’m so thankful that it is not). If you are more interested in hearing/reading the story of a woman’s journey to finding freedom in various areas of her life with some helpful tips along the way, then this book is for you. 

I thought that You Are Free was a refreshing break from my normal reading. It was good to get the perspective from a God-loving female author. It is encouraging to know that God is still gifting and using ladies for His work to speak to and edify the Church. I look forward to many more in the near future.

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God's Standard Never Changes

I recently shared a message with the church I serve as pastor on Matthew 25:31-46. In this passage, Jesus tells about an event that will take place in the future. It is a wonderful event for those who have faithfully followed Christ. It is also a traumatic event for those who haven’t.

Jesus says that those who are welcomed into heaven are not just those who say that they are followers but show it by their actions. He gives some pretty specific ways that people either demonstrate their faith or don’t.

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. (Matthew 25:35-36)

For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me. (Matthew 25:42-43)

Jesus said that the demonstration of our faith will determine whether we are in or out. This is not to be mistaken as salvation by merits. The Bible is clear that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10).  But that faith is also one that will show itself to be true through actions in our lives (James 2:14-26).

I found this scene that Jesus talks about in Matthew 25 very sobering. We can talk a big game about believing in Jesus and being associated with Him. The truth is (from His mouth) the proof is in the fruit. We can say whatever we want, but it is only true when you can back it up.

I had wondered why this was the only place where this was talked about in such detail… that is until I read Job 31.

In Job 31, one can see this man who was having a “rough week” making a final appeal about why the trouble he was experiencing was not a result of sin in his life. In his appeal, Job exclaims…

if I have withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused eyes if the widow to fail, or have eaten my morsel alone, and the fatherless has not eaten of it (for from my youth the fatherless grew up with me as a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow), if I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing, or the needy without covering, if his body has not blessed me, and if he was not warmed with the fleece of my sheep… (Job 31:16-20)

The sojourner has not lodged in the street; I have opened my doors to the traveler (Job 31:32)

After reading this chapter, my mind was blown. There it was in plain sight. The ways in which Jesus said that true faith is demonstrated was done by Job in his life.

God’s standards never change.  The Bible tells us that He is an unchanging God (Hebrews 13:8; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17).  When it comes to His standards, we should not be surprised when He says that those standards do not change either. God still demands that His followers be those who are transformed by the love of God to the point where it effects their actions.

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The Sin of Isolationism

I wrote to you in a letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.

1 Corinthians 5:9 HCSB

As the apostle Paul is writing to this church in Corinth about some things that are going on, some churches today are taking it to heart.  Paul had written the Corinthian church previously about some of the relationships that they had.  Paul had warned them not to associate with people who were living in blatant unrepentant sin.

Before becoming a pastor, I had the privilege of serving in student ministry for many years.  During my time in student ministry and working with teenagers and their families, the issue of isolating students from "the world" came up many times.  Parents wanted to see their children not tainted by "the world".  There was even times when this verse was used to justify it.

I never wanted to see anyone get caught up in the traps of "this world".  I know that a person's environment can be a strong factor in how they will act themselves.  If a person has come to Christ and is trying to change their habits, then sometimes the best thing that they can do is put some separation between them and their former environments and friends.

A problem that I see is that when Christians isolate themselves from "the world", they lose their opportunity to accomplish the Great Commission.  Can you see a Christian come to saving faith in Christ?  They are already there!  The Gospel was given to Christians to go and share with "the world" who does not know Christ.

If you continue to read on as to what Paul was writing to the Corinthian church, you see that he was talking about not having association with those who call themselves followers of Jesus and then live in blatant unrepentant sin (1 Corinthians 5:11). Now, this is a different ballgame altogether.  For those within the church, those who name the Name of Christ and live in a way that you would never know it, then there needs to be a couple of things going on.

First, there needs to be some confrontation.  How many of our parents told us when we went out, "Remember who you belong to and the name you carry?"  We are in no place to judge a person's eternal destiny, but we can call what we see.  I heard one preacher say it like this: "God didn't make me a judge of your soul, but He did call me to be a fruit inspector!"  Christians should love one another enough to get in their face when they are clearly out of line.  I believe that many of the problems that we see in churches today would not be there if more brothers and sisters in Christ would hold their spiritual siblings to the commitment they made when they decided to become a Christian.

Second, there needs to be some room for the Holy Spirit to work.  When we do not confront our brother or sister in Christ on the blatant sin in their lives, we send the message that we approve of it.  God has called us to reflect Him and be holy (Leviticus 11:44-45; Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7; 1 Peter 1:16).  When sin is present in the life of a Christian and they are not willing to repent of it, then (after confronting in love) we should allow room for God to do a discipline work in their lives (1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:20).

We cannot put a barrier between the Gospel - the message of hope placed in the hearts of Christians - and "the world" - those who do not know Christ.  Should we expect an non-Christian to act any other way than a non-Christian?  If we do not intentionally go to them with the Gospel, how will they hear?  May it not be said of Christians that we are just living in our "holy huddle".  May we intentionally build relationships with non-Christians and share with them the amazing love that Jesus has given to us.

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Mistaken Identity

I had spent a great deal of time trying to upload an assignment for one of my classes at a local library. I was feeling very frustrated because the assignment would not upload correctly. I was sitting in my car trying to "cool off" before going back to the house when it happened.

A sweet, little, old lady approached my car and reached for the door handle. I lowered my window and asked if I could help her. I believe she was close to a heart attack. She stumbled back and said, "Well, this ain't my car."

All I could do was smile (to keep from laughing). I motioned to the car next to mine that looked similar to mine in color and all. (Side note: do I drive a granny car? Anyways...) This sweet lady walked to her car embarrassed as I begin to think about the many times I had done the same thing.

It was at that moment that the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and said, "How often do people mistake you for Jesus?"

The term "Christian" carries the meaning of "little Christ." If we are said to be "little Christs" in this world, how often are we mistaken for Jesus? Our lives should be lived in a way that this could be a common occurrence. I'll be the first to admit that it doesn't happen near as much in my life as it should. It is my prayer though that as I am being molded into the image of Jesus by the work of the Holy Spirit that this occurrence will be more frequent.

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Whole Christianity

I came across a great article on the Desiring God blog that talked about what all it means to be a Christian. You can read the entire article here.

A few mentions from the article:

that we repent of our sins

that we are sensible we have justly exposed ourselves to God's wrath

that we love him above all, and are willing for his sake to forsake all

This was such a good reminder that to be a Christian is much more than walking an aisle, saying a prayer, and filling out a card. It is a matter of full transformation 2 Corinthians 5:17.

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Know the Word

As 2011 comes to a close, many people will be looking forward and making "new year's resolutions." These resolutions cause great frustration for many. One of the resolutions that I've heard before from Christians is that they are going to finally read through the Bible this year.

Over the past couple of years this resolution has grown stranger to me. Why is it that Christians will say that they believe and trust the Bible yet they don't know what it says? How do they know what God says and desires if they do not take the time to use the most plain revelation of Himself?

I have tried to make it a top priority to read through the entire Bible each year over the past few years. I have used different methods at different times. One of the best ways I've found is to read through the Bible chronologically. One of the best tools I have found to help with this is the One Year Bible Plan. They have two great plans: one that is chronological an another that is just passages from different genres of the Bible. There are also great plans that can be found at YouVersion.com.

I would encourage every Christian to read through the Bible this year, not as a resolution but as a way to know the heart of God more intimately.

What plan do you use to read through the Scriptures?

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Reminder From A One Year Old

Today, I was at the house eating lunch with the family.  Everything was going normally as it does when I eat lunch at the house.  As the food was ready, Drew (our 3 year old) prepared to give thanks for our meal.  As we stood there together as a family and Drew prayed, I watched Sam (our 1 year old) who I was holding.  As Drew prayed and thanked Jesus for the food, Sam watched Drew carefully.  Usually Sam is jabbering, wiggling, and looking all around, but not at this time.  His sole attention was there on his brother.  You could almost see and hear the wheels turning in his head.

I think that it was at this moment that the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart.  I believe that He was reminding me that as a Christ-follower, there are those who are watching me.  As God is working on people's lives, they are looking to the most clear and closest picture of Jesus that they have: His followers.  I am reminded of the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:6.

"So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled."

Christians, remember that there is a world desperately looking for a clear picture of the true Savior.  Jesus has called us, even though we sometimes fail, to be that picture for them.  Reflect well.

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Classic Rock Devotion

I was driving back to the house today to enjoy some Subway lunch that I had picked up and was flipping through the radio stations when I came upon the classic rock station in town (yeah, baby).  Bon Jovi' s "You Give Love A Bad Name" was blaring from my speakers.  It has been a while since I heard that little tune.  As I listened along, my mind began to hang on the chorus of that song...

Shot through the heart and you're to blame
you give love a bad name.

It is times like this that I know that I am what the Bible calls a Christian because the Holy Spirit began speaking to me about how this chorus relates to God.  I know that Jon Bon Jovi had anything but God on his mind when he wrote/performed that song, but God was having a moment with me.

• 1 John 4:16 tells us that "God is love."


• Acts 11:26 says that the followers of Jesus were first called 'Christians' in Antioch.  This term means "little Christ" or "like Christ".

If God is love, and we are His representatives and supposed to look like Him, the question that arose in my mind is "are we giving LOVE a bad name?"  Whether we like it or not, a Christ-follower is the clearest picture of who God is on this earth at this time.  May it never be said of us that we are giving LOVE (our God) a bad name.

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