Leviticus 19:1-20;21; Mark 11:8-38; Psalm 42:1-11; Proverbs 10:17
"He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray". Proverbs 10:17
Discipline is used to "teach a lesson" that has previously been ignored, disobeyed, or otherwise not learned. It can come in many forms, ranging from a spanking to jail time...depending on a person's age and the severity of their offense. Simply put, discipline is correction.
If a spaceship gets off course, the longer it stays that way, the further it travels from where it was headed. It doesn't take long to get past the point of no return because there won't be enough fuel to make a course correction. The results can be catastrophic.
When we get off the right path and steer towards temptation and sin, a life correction (discipline) is needed to get us headed back in the right direction. The longer we head the wrong way, the more difficult it may become to turn back. For some people, they never get the chance --- or take the opportunity --- before it's too late.
One of the best ways to stay on course is to carefully follow the map. God has laid out directions for walking the straight and narrow path that keep us with Him. "So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left...so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." (Deut 5:32-33).
Today's verse in Proverbs points out an important reason to pay attention and respond to correction. The results don't just affect us. When we mess up, people watch to see how we handle things. If we humble ourselves and accept discipline and correction, it speaks well of our character and ultimately "shows the way to life".
But if we get defensive, arrogant or lash out when we're corrected, our behavior tarnishes the image of Christianity for those who watch us, and it can actually "lead them astray" by pushing them away from the Jesus they know we follow.
Heavenly Father, help me to stay on course, following the path You've set out for me. If I get off track and need discipline, cause me to receive it with grace and humility and make the necessary life corrections to get back in line with Your Word. In all that I say and do - even when I mess up - cause me to always bring honor to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Susan
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