God's Love: Perfecting not Pampering

Every once in a while, as I channel surf, I linger over the reality program, Super Nanny.  It is frightening to see how out of control some people have allowed their children to become.  The kids are literally bouncing off the walls, insolent, talking back to their parents, and in general, pains in the rumpus room!! From far off, Super Nanny responds to the desperate parent’s 911 call for assistance.  Arriving at their front door, in her no nonsense outfit, and sensible shoes, she quickly assesses the situation.  As she stands to the side, she makes mental notes, and later goes over them with Mom and Dad.  In just about every case, consistent discipline is missing from the home.

 I think many people confuse being a disciplinarian with being a “bad” or mean parent.  Maybe they came from a home with overbearing folks, and to compensate, they go overboard to be friends with the children.  First of all, discipline is not a dirty word, in fact it is vital in childrearing, without it there is chaos.  Super Nanny lays down the law to the parents, who hopefully will implement her sage advice, saving the family from emotional destruction.  Years ago I found a poem entitled, “What shall we give the children?”.  It detailed what we might expect, love, security, happy memories and yes, discipline.  If we as parents don’t lovingly discipline our children, the world will harshly do it for us.

As adult Christians, we may feel too wise or mature for God’s discipline, but we would be wrong.  God, like Super Nanny, works in our lives not to pamper us, but to perfect us.  He sure doesn’t need spoiled brats running amok in his kingdom, and so, like any loving parent he exerts his divine rod of discipline. “My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” Hebrews 12:6. Don’t ever think you’re too old for God to take you out to the wood shed.  If you deserve it, delight in it rather than gripe, remember it’s all in his perfecting plan for your life. “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” v. 11.