Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Mid-Week Message - Tough Love

Parents know that sometimes tough love is necessary.  As much as we love our children, the gentle touch just doesn't always work.  If little Billy is about to jump off the roof of the house, quiet pleading just might not stop him.  It isn't easy to come down hard on those we love but it is sometimes the most loving thing to do.

Discipline isn't fun.  It wasn't fun when we were young and it isn't fun when we are older.  I made every attempt with my daughter to make sure that she knew about accountability and that it didn't end when she became an adult.  We remain answerable to our spouses, our employers, our government entities and, most importantly, to God.  

I was exceptionally close to my earthly father.  One hundred percent a daddy's girl is what I was from my birth to his death and even beyond.  My mother said I would start crying when he left for work in the mornings and that I wouldn't stop until he came home in the evening.  Yes, I loved my daddy! Because of that I worked hard to win and keep his approval and was crushed when he disciplined me. As a parent myself now I realize that he didn't like those times any more than I did.  

When I was a school secretary, teachers often sent children to me who were acting up in class.  This school had all ages and one of the Pre-Kindergarten little boys was sent to me one day.  Now this wasn't just any student.  It was the son of my best friend.  Because he had been sent to me more than once for this particular behavior, I told him that it was now time to call and talk to his father.  His eyes widened in horror as he spoke his response which was, "But Daddy be's mean when we're bad!" I held in my laughter as I dialed the phone because I knew his father and how loving he was.  No, none of us likes discipline.  

One of the most beautiful ways that God portrays Himself to us is as a Father.  He has accepted us as His children and loves us enough to do what is best for us in every circumstance, even if that means disciplining us.  Hebrews 12:5-6 says, "And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? 'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.'" When we go through times of the Lord's discipline, we can feel loved.  Because, like our parents told us, if He didn't care for us, He wouldn't bother.   

Whatever your week holds, I pray it also holds plenty of times to rejoice.  And if you are going through a time of instruction, training and discipline from above, rejoice even more.  You are important to Him.  Important enough to care and exercise tough love even though it hurts Him more than it hurts us.  God bless.  

No comments:

Post a Comment