The Purpose of Discipline

The earliest Christians knew the pain of persecution, and those who ultimately died for their faith were deemed martyrs. The author of Hebrews encouraged his congregation by reminding them: “You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood” (v. 4). Still, the experience of hardship and suffering was difficult then, and continues to be challenging today. Our reading is a reminder about the character and purpose of adversity for God’s people.

First, Scripture tells us to “endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children” (v. 7). The analogy of parenting is helpful here. As the author of Hebrews notes, just as parents discipline their children out of love, so “the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son” (v. 6). In fact, the lack of discipline should be a concern:

“If you are not disciplined . . . then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (v. 8)! Since we respect our parents’ discipline and submit to them, “how much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live” (v. 9).

Second, Scripture shows us the purpose of such discipline: it is “for our good” (v. 10). Just as good parents intend the best for their children, so our heavenly Father can use the discipline of adversity so “that we may share in his holiness” (v. 10). The author doesn’t pretend this is easy; “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful” (v. 11). We often prefer the experiences of pleasure and happiness, but God may use the challenges of life to bring about “a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (v. 11). God can use the crucible of adversity to make us more like Jesus.

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