Proof in the Spankings

My favorite necklace that I wear every day is precious because my husband chose it and the three-cross-pendant on the chain reminds me of Jesus’ sacrifice for my sins. But as priceless as it is to me, I have to give it a good shaking some days. Why? It gets easily tangled and, left that way, is unattractive. So, because I care about my necklace, I gently shake the chain for it to unwrap from the crosses’ beams. But when that doesn’t work, more aggressive actions are needed. Once loosened, the pendant is free.

A Christian’s life entangled in sin is unappealing, and God does whatever it takes for that person to get back in right standing with Him. He may begin with a gentle shake, just a nudge in their spirit that they need to repent. When that doesn’t work, God will use more drastic measures. Parents don’t take pleasure in disciplining their children, and neither does our heavenly Father. Still, both will for the good of the one who has strayed from going the right way: “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither be weary of His correction. For whom the Lord loveth, He correcteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth” (Prov 3:11– 12). Discipline proves that God and parents love their children; it moves their loved ones to choose repentance that sets them on the path to freedom. The Bible says those who continue sinning without the Lord’s rebuke are not His children (Heb 12:8).