Pay Now, Enjoy Later

Being corrected isn't fun. But it is blessed when we are ready to receive it. Proverbs 12 shows us the fruit of discipline.

Proverbs 12:1 (ESV) Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

Proverbs 12:15 (ESV) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

I believe our lives are defined by how we respond to the challenges around us and within us to change how we live. So much of life needs challenging. Our attitude needs adjustment, our aptitude needs acceleration, our social skills need congeniality and our physical bodies need moderation. Life without discipline makes us stupid on many fronts.

And scripture makes it clear that discipline brings righteous fruit. 

Hebrews 12:11 (ESV) 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.

Coming back to Proverbs we find that righteousness brings stability. 

Proverbs 12:3 (ESV) No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

Proverbs 12:7 (ESV) The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.

The reality is, when we accept discipline we are telling our lives to get stronger and more stable so that when challenges come, we are strong and able to stand. 

Discipline is about saying no to worthless pursuits. Life offers these on many levels and at many stages. But the hard things are what make for a blessed life. Work, diligence, focus and effort are the pathway to plenty. 

Proverbs 12:11 (ESV) Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.

Proverbs 12:24 (ESV) The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

Proverbs 12:27 (ESV) Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.

Proverbs is teaching us that the hard things done now lead to the good and pleasant things enjoyed later. It's the opposite of how our world and our flesh naturally work. We want pleasure now and pay later. From credit cards to sex, to fame, to food - there is a war against our long-term future going on. When we stop and realize this we can give ourselves to the hard work of preparation in all areas, saying no to what feels or seems good now because God has given us a long-term perspective of life. 

We must remember that Christ was disciplines through obedience, forsaking the short-cut offer of the devil in the desert to attain the true satisfaction of redeeming the world by His blood.