Discipline and Community

Our children battle us (their parents) for this "right" all the time don't they? True, Calvin articulates it more directly than our children, but their actions and attitudes often speak for them in unmistakable terms. I was no different myself. I wanted, and often wrongly claimed the right, to be free of expectation, rules, obligation, and accountability. I wanted my actions to impact no one but myself and therefore I thought no one but myself should have the right to confine my choices and actions.

I was wrong. Now, as an adult, I'm thankful that I was wrong. Are there times when I'm tempted to seek my own desires over pleasing the Lord? Yes. And that's why I'm thankful for the spiritual relationships in my life who are willing to say the hard things, ask the tough questions, and provide discipline when necessary.

The parallels between parental discipline and spiritual discipline are highlighted in scripture. Hebrews 12:10-11 says "Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (NIV)

I'm thankful to have a wife, a hometeam, and a group of shepherds who are willing to be used by the Lord as his instruments of discipline in my life. I don't allow them this access to my life based on their perfection, but based on their love for me and their love of Godliness. When necessary, they follow the commands of Jesus in Matthew 18 because they love me too much to ignore them.

Last night, nearly 100 of our members listened as our elders shared their love and passion for the Lord and for the body of Christ at Cornerstone. What did they talk about? Mostly about church discipline. Although "no discipline seems pleasant at the time" as the writer of Hebrews says, our elders are committed to "producing a harvest of righteousness and peace" in our church family.

And what a demonstration of family it was! Were there hard questions asked? Yes. Did some seem to have a clearer understanding of church discipline than others? Yes, but the thing that stood out to me was that in all the questions and comments made from the church family there was an observable sense of humility, hunger for deeper biblical understanding, and commitment to authentic community among us.

To be an authentic family of believers who are growing in their commitment to community, loving discipline must be present and taught. That's what it means to be a family. If you don't believe me, just ask your parents.