Hebrews 12:3-6
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.
As we witness with our own eyes, the corruption of our political, social, economic, and yes, religious systems, they seem to intensify and increase from all fronts, and it won't be long before a strong hand of discipline comes down from heaven and levels the playing field.
The world will surely see it soon enough. According to God's word, the world will not escape the coming judgment. But the Church will not escape God's chastisement either. Much of the Church has gone through years of ungodliness in order to be more accepted in the worldly culture. Churches have adapted themselves to cultural and social standards in order to appease the sinner, whereby the gospel, the truth about sin and judgement are diminished so much, that they are barely mentioned in sermons and conversations. Thus, having no convicting power or call to be saved from the eternal judgment of God.
The bible is being excluded, if not outlawed in some places. And if you mention Jesus' name in any godly context, you are threatened with being canceled and publicly shamed. This world does not fear the God they refuse to know. But they should. We all should!
This world will soon discover the power of God's wrath and judgment. When will that happen? No one knows. But when it comes, you'll know without a doubt that God is for real!
In the meantime, Christians today need to look and examine their lives carefully. Do not be afraid of being chastised or disciplined by our Father. For He loves us, and He disciplines those He loves. It is imperative that we, the Church get unstuck from worldly ways. We ought to be devoting ourselves to do good to others, to God, and His Church.
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
Self satisfying pleasures that consume our time away from the presence of God is a recipe for stern discipline. But when it comes, do not shy away from it. If you are going by the way of the world, because "everyone else is doing it", I encourage you to stop, look, and listen to what God is saying about it.
Look, no child wants or desires to be disciplined by a parent. It hurts and is not pleasant. But it is necessary if the parent truly loves the child. So does our Father in heaven. He wants you and I to be lovers of Him and not the world. He loves us with a love that requires discipline from time to time to keep us on track and aligned with His will.
I have been spiritually spanked too many times to count. But I know in my heart that God will spank me when I need it, because He loves me. I have said it many times, that you do not teach your child how to misbehave. That is something that comes naturally to all humans. However, as a loving parent, we have to teach them to do good, and chastise them for their wrongdoings, so they will do good.
Let the word of God live in you, and allow yourself to be more deeply associated with the Lord. If you experience discipline from God, stand up, own the sin, and take it. You will be better off in the long run if you do!
Your servant in Christ,
Tom
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