When I was younger, dad would always use the phrase, “This hurts me more than it hurts you,” while spanking my butt.
Liar.
Or so I thought.
My son, Liam, is approaching his 4th birthday. It seems like we are dealing with disobedience issues on a regular basis now. Monday of last week, his teacher told us that he was deliberately disobeying and being disrespectful. That night, I sat down with him and told him he deserved a spanking. I explained to him again, for what seems like the 100th time, how we love others and how we listen, obey, and respect those in authority.
The very next day Kelli had the same conversation with his teacher. She told me about it as I was leaving work. I had the 15 minute ride from Carrollton to Villa Rica to think about how I would respond when I got home. Realizing I had to give him a spanking, I started to feel that pain my father always told me about.
Disciplining isn’t easy or fun, but it is loving.
At home, Liam and I went to another room and I made sure he knew why he was being disciplined. He did and was already dreading it. I did what I needed to do and then made sure he knew and felt that I loved him.
Humbled in that moment, I couldn’t help but think about our Heavenly Father. When we are disobedient, it hurts God’s heart. I explained to Liam that there are consequences for not being obedient. The same is true for us, but on a much more spiritual level. The more we disobey and sin, the further we are from Him; we separate ourselves from the Father. However, one way he shows us His love, is to discipline us.
This week, let’s praise God for the discipline He has given us. Through it, He has made us more like Himself.
