My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline . . . because the Lord disciplines those he loves (Proverbs 3:11-12, NIV)

WHEN my husband was a child, he was assigned the arduous task of breaking green beans fresh from the garden. Not enjoying the confinement of the job and wishing to be outside, he said, "I'm not enjoying this very much. Could you just go ahead and spank me, and I'll go out to play?" His wise parents had taught him that failure to do as he was instructed would result in discipline.
Unfortunately, discipline sometimes is administered in a spirit of retribution and retaliation, possibly resulting in some form of abuse. Consequently, many people perceive all discipline as very negative and inappropriate. Scriptures teach the opposite; appropriate discipline is the result of love. When one authority truly cares for a subordinate, the "master" disciplines t...