Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no word from God, people are uncontrolled, but those who obey what they have been taught are happy.”

As I read this verse I couldn’t help but wonder if God gave us children as an illustration of our relationship with Him – especially when it comes to discipline. We love our children and we want what’s best for them. We, as parents, know the harsh realities our children will have to face in this world so we work hard to discipline them in love, encourage them in all they do, and comfort them when they fall. Without this loving discipline, we know our children would be uncontrollable and ill-prepared to face the challenges awaiting them beyond the front door of our safe and comfortable homes.

Even if you’re not a parent, just envision the picture in your head. Think about it in terms of your own life. You are the child and God is the loving Father. Without his discipline our lives spin completely out of control. Even though we may not see it….a path that doesn’t honor God will bring pain and suffering.

Why?

Because His word (the Bible) confirms it. As Christians we must “enter through the narrow gate. In Matthew, Jesus tells us “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life (Matthew 7:13 – 14).”

In Luke’s gospel, chapter 11 verse 28 he says, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” At first, disciplining children takes a lot of hard work, consistency, and patience. The same is true for us. Our spiritual journey is not a sprint. It’s a life long journey with our heavenly Father. As we grow through the stages of our Christian life, take a minute to look back at how far you’ve come. How has your life changed since you said yes to Jesus and NO to this world?

Related reading: 1 John 5:2 – 4; 1 John 2:3 – 6; Isaiah 48: 17 – 19; Isaiah 38:17