CHARACTER TRANSFORMATION
We want this for ourselves. We want it for each one of our children.So, how do we get it? The Bible tells us it comes through chastening and discipline! Ouch. We don’t like that answer very much, do we? And many children don’t like it at all.
Hebrews 12:11 (BSB) says: “No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.”
I like the TPT which says: “. . . yet later it will produce a transformation of character, bringing a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who yield to it.”
This “transformation of character” needs even more than discipline. It is yielding to the discipline. Do you notice that? The blessing comes to those who yield to it. Often our first reaction is to resist correction and discipline but we must learn to yield to it. When we yield do the disciplines of life that are necessary for us, we are changed and formed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). If we resist, we stay in our same old rut. Are you yielding to God’s discipline in your life?
We must also teach our children to yield to our training and discipline. This is how their character will be transformed. If they rebel and resist the discipline while they are young, they will keep facing the same problems all their lives until they yield to God.
If we truly love our children, we will train and discipline them. We will not tolerate disobedience and rebellious behavior. We are not content for them to grow up pretty good citizens. We long for them to be formed into the image of Christ. We long for them to be transformed by the Word of God and training and instruction. We do not want them to be ordinary saints, but men and women who are passionate for Jesus Christ where everything else in life is subordinate to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in their lives.
This will only happen as they yield to your correction and discipline. Pray that God will give your children soft hearts. Pray that they will have yielding hearts to your training and the moving of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Romans 12:2: “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”
Let’s be families where each one of us (mom, dad, and all the children) daily yield to God’s correction and instruction in our lives.
Be blessed today,
Nancy Campbell
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