Discipline

Discipline. Is it a bad word? A negative feeling for many?

Discipline is one of those items we hate to discuss. As a former high school principal, I felt, at times, that’s all I did some days. Instead of being the instructional leader of the building, I felt like I was the judge and jury on several occasions. The older I get or hopefully the more mature, I see the need for discipline in our society. I see that individuals must be held accountable for things that we do or not do as we live in a civilized complex society. Without discipline, we have no order. Chaos exists.

God speaks volumes in His Word about discipline. In the Old Testament, discipline was severe. In the New Testament, discipline brought about severe punishment, but what has happened over the last thousand years is that we think discipline is too severe and no one is held accountable for wrong.

We will be held accountable. It might not be today or tomorrow but we will be held accountable for our actions. God states this throughout His Word.

Proverbs 15:9-11 (New International Version)

9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.
11 Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD— how much more the hearts of men!