God has no favorites. He does not want any spoiled, selfish, and self-centered children. In fact no one likes that kind of child. God may have some who tend to be like that. But the very purpose of His training is to change and mould the life of every one of His children into the recognizable likeness of Christ. What is involved in God's child-training? First, there is the example of his Son's life. (Hebrews 12:2) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus! Then there is the instruction of God's Word. 'Your word is a lamp to my feet.' (Psalm 119:105) There is also the guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit. 'He will guide you into all truth.' (John 16:13) Plus many other ways in which God wants to make everything work together for our good so that we might be conformed to the likeness of His Son. What about suffering? Does God ever use it as a means of discipline? He does, but not all suffering is for that reason. Some suffering is a privilege and honour, for example, the martyrs who have died or been tortured for their faith. There are rules of health, which if you break them, will in turn cause you problems. Some suffering brings about an exhibition of God's grace and is an example to others of God's sustaining power. Yes, there is suffering that is part of God's loving discipline. Many have experienced it as God seeks to correct us. Sometimes He has to bring us low physically in order for us to listen to Him spiritually. (Look at Psalm 32:1-7) But remember His every action is motivated by love and we ought to be very thankful that He is our loving Father to whom every child is exceptionally precious. |
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