Devotions: Purpose in Punishment

 

Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.

Psalm 119:67 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 

Reproof brings instruction that is why it is also called correction. Some of us can learn simply by being told, but most must “learn the hard way.” That is why God instructs parents to discipline their children, for the rod and reproof bring wisdom but a child given his own way brings shame to his mother (Pr 29:15). We learn through discipline. Animals learn that way because they do not have the intelligence to be instructed, unfortunately, many people are too hard headed to learn from simple instruction as well. Our rebellious nature pushes us to see what we really need to follow and obey, and what we can get away with. This mindset is not godly, but a result of the sin nature within us. Sometimes it is only in experiencing the punishment for our sins do we truly learn that it was sin. We need to have minds open to God’s instruction. Hopefully, we will learn before we are disciplined, but if we do not, we need to be open to learn from punishment so that we can become godlier. Let discipline teach you to listen to instruction rather than waiting for punishment to obey. As with children, God is not simply going for a behavior change, but a heart change. He wants to change our hearts to become more like His so that we will desire to obey and will not need to be rebuked or disciplined. God disciplines out of His love for us to live rightly, not because He wants to be in control, but because He knows the best, most pain free way for us to live and that is by His word. Strive to be a person who listens to instruction and learns from discipline. Ask God to give you the desire to follow Him so He doesn’t have to correct you.

 

 

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