When my son has his own agenda that goes against what's good for him, he's told "no". When he wants to do something ahead of time, he's told, "not yet". When he defies the rules, he's told, "now you've lost privileges".
My son is 4, so he rebels in his own way... Often, kicking & screaming or clinging to what isn't good or right at the time. I completely understand why it's called "frustrating 4's" lol!
Let's look at this from a spiritual aspect. In Christ, regardless of our age or maturity, admit it, we act like my son! Either we want what we want and reject the Lord's leading & correction in love or we accept it, trusting He knows what's best.
Here's what the Word has to say on the matter...
"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:" Proverbs 3:11
Over and over it is His LOVE that redirects us. Sometimes even giving us a "big kid time out"- over all, for our good!
"Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die." Proverbs 15:10
Choosing to push away His Love, results in spiritual decay and ultimately leads to death. Now remember,
2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
The Lord is... longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
He wills us to live- to repent, turning from our ways TO HIM!
"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." Proverbs 22:15
The "rod" here: in the Hebrew is not a beating stick! It is
stick for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc. Designed & used for leading & redirecting.
"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." Hebrews 12:11
Accept or reject? Rebellion equals destruction but acceptance leads to godliness. We all have choices. Moment by moment, will we reap reward or bring about His needed correction in love?
How will you act, react to the loving limitations set before us for our own good by the Father who is the giver of life?
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