"GOD IS TREATING YOU AS SONS!"

Hebrews 12:5-11                   (ESV)

"5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 

6 For the LORD disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." 

7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. "GOD IS TREATING YOU AS SONS". For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.

9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?

10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.

11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

Being "Grounded" or put in "time-out" is a way of disciplining children getting them to slow down and focus on doing things differently.  Sometimes we need to evaluate things from a different perspective to truly see things in the light that will allow us to grow and mature adequately.  Even some of the challenges in our lives can be used to mold us into vessels that GOD can use for HIS glory!  

One of the most memorable (unpleasantly so) times in my life was not during my childhood, but rather in my children's childhood, when I was attempting to get one of my sons to see things from the point of view which I was looking from.  I'm not sure I ever got my point across, as that was not one of my finer moments.  I'm sure even THE BEST of fathers have some moments they might like a "do-over" on!

When we realize that "GOD IS TREATING YOU AS SONS" to mold us into vessels that can be of better use to HIS Kingdom, we are beginning to be used of HIM and for HIS purpose.  "HE disciplines the one HE loves" so we should not be discouraged when GOD takes time to educate us in HIS ways!  A loving Father doesn't discipline out of anger or rage, but in an effort to SAVE his child from the pitfalls in life!

When "GOD IS TREATING YOU AS SONS" it isn't always bad.  GOD can teach without carrying us to "the woodshed" of life.  The writer of Hebrews instructs us that there is NO SON that "his father does not discipline".  We should know that if we are being taught a lesson that GOD is using that lesson FOR HIS GLORY to make us more in HIS image.  Both of my sons have some characteristics that I cannot deny.  When "GOD IS TREATING YOU AS SONS" we should rejoice that we are HIS children and some characteristics HE cannot deny!