Proverbs 6:23. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
The truth about life, especially the Christian life, is that we need both God’s light and also God’s reproof if we are to make it along the path of righteousness. If the light of God’s teaching shows us his path, then his disciplines are what keep us on the path.
Have you ever held a child’s hand while walking them across the street? Why would you do that? Why would you take away their freedom like that? Can’t you just show them the way (light) and then expect them to make it across on their own? Only someone who doesn’t know any toddlers would say yes to this question.
We are spiritual toddlers. Yes, God has shown us the way in Christ, but then he also holds our hand by the Spirit of Christ living inside us. By the indwelling Spirit, God reproves us if we try to break free from his loving hand. When God corrects us and says “hold my hand,” taking away our freedom, that is not his wrath toward us, but his love for us.
In Christ, you have God’s light and God’s reproof happening inside of you all the time. God does not discipline us in the dark, he disciplines us in the light. In the light of Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
The light of Christ is in our hearts, shining the love of God into our very being, and showing us the way to walk in that same love. But like toddlers, we cannot walk the path of God on our own. We are too distracted. Too foolish. Too self-centered. And so God holds our hand with his faithful reproofs. His corrections. His training. His rod and staff bringing us to the illumined green pastures of his grace where we can learn to put to death our foolish sin and pride under the safety of his eternal mercy.
By our union with Christ, we know that because Christ removes all condemnation our sin can never separate us from God’s love. Instead, our sin brings out the loving hand holding reproof of God as we walk together through difficult and dangerous spots in life.
Jude 24-25. 24Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
You: Has God reproved you in any way recently? Are you aware of when he is disciplining you?
You in Christ: The light and love of God are in you. How does this truth encourage you to trust what comes your way, even if it is God’s discipline?
Christ in you: Where have you been resisting Christ’s hand holding? Is there an area of your life that you need to submit to him today?
Pray: Father, I trust your loving reproof and discipline. By your Spirit, lead me in the path of the light of Christ your Son. Amen.
To Live is Christ 