“There is severe discipline for him who [a]turns from the way [of righteousness]; And he who hates correction will die.”
Proverbs 15:10 AMP
No one likes to be corrected! The older we get the harder it seems to be to receive correction or rebuke. Our verse reminds us today of the consequences of ignoring the ways of God. I am reminded of the words of Jesus,
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].”
John 10:10 AMP
It makes sense to me that the designer and creator of the human body knows what I best! Life in general is governed by principles and precepts that allow the universe to function as it was designed. It doesn’t matter if we agree or believe in them, they function as designed. Now, God has given us the “owner’s manual” for life! The things that are contained within are for our benefit, not our demise. Like a good father raises his child to avoid the pitfalls of life and succeed, God has the same heart! The warnings and cautions contained in His Word are there to guide us through the minefield of life. They are not there as a punishment for sinful behavior, but rather a warning of the consequences of such behavior. Today we are told that there is a result to the action of shunning the pursuit of righteousness.
There are two words of particular concern here, “severe” and “discipline.” We need look to the previous verse to see the complete thought. This sentence is a continuation of the thought of wickedness as an abomination to the Lord. As a result of wicked behavior, consequences will follow. The word severe here is used to modify the behavior of one who forsakes the way. It is the word meaning “evil, wicked, no good; pertaining to that which is not morally good or pure according to a proper standard, implying this evil hinders or severs a relationship to a person or principle which is proper.” It is also uses to describe that which “can harm of injure an object or individual.” Living in sin does exactly that, it harms and causes injury to one who walks in it! That standard is one which the designer and creator gave for the proper use of the body and life. The problem is that man is trying to impose his own standard of morality and it is drastically failing.
The word discipline here is the word used to describe the result of an action. It means “a punishment that is minor for the purpose of teaching.” It isn’t a penalty for doing wrong but a process by which we learn the error of our way. It isn’t God’s intention to drop lightning on someone for their actions. God’s intention is that we learn from our mistakes so that we can continue to receive the blessings that he has in store for us! Remember that,
“The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 AMP
Remember that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. God could have taken us out of the game at any point if He was simply acting in His anger. Instead we are reminded that the inequity of us all was placed upon Him at Calvary and the penalty that we deserved was shouldered by Him! There is a great verse to remember when you are going through a discipling time by the Lord.
“I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].”
Philippians 1:6 AMP
God’s commitment is to see us conformed to the image of Christ in our lives so that those who see us will give glory to Him. Let me encourage you today that from the cradle to the grave, God is committed to see this thing through, are you? Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken