WF Pride

Discipline and Accountability

Chad Cottingham

Discipline is an interesting topic of discussion – especially in light of NFL superstar Adrian Peterson’s indefinite suspension on a charge of reckless or negligent injury to a child. On one hand, we want others disciplined and held accountable for inappropriate behavior. Yet, we do not want disciple to come our way – even when we are deserving of it. But what about when it is Godly discipline? How do we know it is even from God? What is for and how will I react to it?

Godly discipline can take a number of forms. Sometimes God doesn’t open opportunities in our lives until we are ready, or sometimes He will close opportunities we aren’t ready for. Maybe you had wandered from the Lord and only began returning when you lost something important to you. Or you got distracted by something and just sort of forgot God and God gave you a wakeup call to remind you to put Him first.
There are a couple ways to react to Godly discipline: fear or frustration. If you project all the imperfections of your earthly parents on God, you are going to be afraid. God will seem unstable or cruel. If you are used to always getting your own way, you may feel offended and put down. But remember, God loves you with perfect love and therefore He disciplines you with perfect discipline. He cares more for your character than your comfort. He cares less about what you want, and more about who you are becoming. Even when you don’t understand, you can trust Him because perfect love drives out all fear. Not perfect understanding. Not perfect control. Perfect love. If He can hold the world together, he can hold your life together, even when it feels like it’s falling apart

Hebrews 12:7-8 (NLT): As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.
~ Taken from Godly Discipline by Jud Wilhite~

“Dear Lord, help us to recognize that you are in control at all times. Thank you for Your love, grace, mercy and discipline. Help us to see that Your ways our better than ours. Thank you for helping develop our character as we attempt to become more like You each and every day. Amen”