Some Lessons Hurt
Today’s scripture selection: Job 5-6
Key verses: Job 5:17-18
It’s a cliché with which we are all familiar: A father stands before his child, preparing to discipline him, and he says “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you, but….” And whether or not the discipline is a spanking or a little “time out” the end result is the same. Sometimes lessons hurt, but they are necessary just the same.
Well, I don’t know what your stance is on childrearing, but I hope you agree with the basic premise of that statement. We all need to learn things in life that are necessary for our growth and our well being. And I think it is in our basic nature to sometimes, perhaps many times, resist learning those lessons. So sometimes – lessons hurt.
Today’s scripture passage reminds us of this – but takes it to a whole new level. No longer are we talking about some minor childhood infraction being corrected by Mom or Dad; now it is God who as work, seeking to bring correction – but also healing – to His children.
“Blessed is the man whom God corrects, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.”
There have been times in my life – more times than I like to admit – where I’ve had to learn some tough lessons. I’ve made the wrong choices; I’ve put my own desires or perceived needs over others; I’ve been selfish or put some other things above God in life. In other words, I’ve sinned.
And in those times, God has allowed me to suffer the consequences, painful though they were. It wasn’t fun; it wasn’t pretty; and it was costly. But boy, did I need to learn the lesson. And – in retrospect – I thank God that He loved me enough to let it happen, just that way.
How about you? Can you think of times when you “learned” the hard way? Can you recall an experience where you lost something but, as a result, you gained something far more valuable? Then maybe, just maybe, there was more than fate at work. Maybe the God who loves you more than you know loved you enough to discipline and instruct you. Give thanks for those times. They may have saved your life. And they may still.
Prayer: Loving God, thank you for caring enough to instruct me and even discipline me. Help me to be a loving child, open to all the lessons you have for me. AMEN.
