I Corinthians 4:14 “I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.”

CORRECTION

Why do we think being disciplined or admonished is a bad thing? Look at the verse for today. Paul is really coming down hard on the Corinthians. There were a lot of problems in that church, and he was not pleased with their behavior. He could have just let them be to work out the issues, but he loved them too much to do that.

He said “admonish you as my beloved children.” Do you get that? He chastised them BECAUSE he loved them. I truly feel we have failed in our churches today in this area. We do not hold people accountable for their actions. Admonishment is not a bad thing. It is a godly thing when done to correct a believer and warn them of their straying.

TEACHING MOMENT

How do you think your children will turn out if you never discipline them? Do you think they will be good parents? Remember we are not raising children – we are raising child raisers. We have to teach them the importance of good and evil, right and wrong, belief and unbelief, obedience and disobedience.

I NEVER enjoyed disciplining any child, whether they were my own two or someone else’s child. I don’t enjoy seeing tears or hearing them cry. But I had rather see and hear that than see them making horrible decisions because I failed to teach them the principles mentioned above.

The next time you have to discipline Gertrude or Felix take a moment to teach them why. They need to understand why they are being corrected. It’s not “just because.” It’s because there is a cause – His cause. He loves us so much and wants us to follow Him. We cannot do that unless we are willing to submit to His chastisement when necessary. Be a good student and a better teacher!