Two Types of Discipline

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

There are two types of discipline:  the world's way and God's way.

The world's discipline is cruel and damaging punishment.  It teaches hatred and resentment.  God's way of discipline is loving and kind.  It instructs, and it develops wisdom and sound character.  Neither is pleasant at the time it is experienced, yet, these two forms of discipline sit in stark contrast of one another.

To demonstrate the difference, a teenage boy was driving to piano lessons for the first time.  He had been given directions, and had been told the way, as well.  On his first day, the boy got lost and missed the entire lesson which could not be refunded.

The worldly father in anger demanded that the boy get back into the car and drive to piano lessons to show he knew the way and would not miss again.  He gave the boy no instruction and was silent the entire time.

The father seeking to do things God's way demanded that the boy get back into the car and drive to piano lessons, also.  But, he instructed the boy the entire way, advising of landmarks, road signs, and how to avoid getting lost in the future.  He instructed on things unrelated to the route, as well, because he loved the boy.

The Holy Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:10-11, "For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 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."

Two types of discipline, yet a fool despises them both and plunges headlong into destruction.  While, a wise man can learn from either form of discipline.

Comments

Popular Posts