Corrective Discipline

For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light,
and corrective discipline is the way to life.
-Proverbs 6:23 (HCSB)

Not many of us enjoy being told what to do. When I worked as a restaurant manager, most people didn't need much supervision. There were others, though, who despised supervision. The writer of Proverbs 6 reveals to us why we need to follow the instruction.

Verse 23 says, "For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light, and corrective discipline is the way to life." We live in a sin darkened world. Most of us has probably gotten out of bed in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, or to get a drink. Quite often, we don't turn on the lights so we don't waken up anyone else. What usually happens? When stumbling around in the dark, we stub our toes on the bed, or we trip and fall over something, or sometimes both! Living the Christian life doesn't mean we are stumbling around in the dark, not knowing where we are going. Verse 23 shows us that "a command is a lamp, teaching is a light," The commands that we find in the Word of God is not meant to keep us from enjoying life. Instead, it is a lamp, it is a light so that we will not stumble and fall as we live day to day. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path." The Word of God, and the commands found therein, are a lamp and a light for the path of life. It illuminates the way. 

The rest of Proverbs 6:23 says, "and corrective discipline is the way to life." Many of us don't like discipline. But, corrective discipline, as found in the Word of God, benefits us. Proverbs 15:32 says, "Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense." Corrective discipline, illuminated by the commands and teachings of God, leads to good sense, and leads to life. 

Do you ignore discipline in your life? Has God been trying to correct your ways, so that they line up with His will for your life? Think About It.