This morning while Tracy and I were having breakfast we discussed a challenge that was presented to me last night by one of our ministry’s leaders. As is often the case, people miss deadlines and expect leadership to grant them an exception, extending them “grace,” even though they did not meet the requirements of the upcoming event. In many cases their reasons and/or circumstances are understandable and our hearts either sympathize or empathize with their plight. What makes the situations even more compelling is that all of us have been on the receiving end of grace when we made mistakes or seemingly, “God let us slide on that one.”
So, as I often find myself in situations like this, I wonder: “Do I appease the individual with grace or do I follow the strict guidelines of the rules, respecting my leader’s request?” After all, Tae Kwon Do is a sport, and in this case, a ministry of discipline. And, God has a lot to say on that subject. But He has much to say about grace also.
The Wisdom literature, especially Proverbs has prolific references to discipline. 17 specific references, with the most poignant being 3:12, 5:23, 10:17, 12:1, 15:32, 19:18 & 20. But then in Jeremiah 30:11 and 46:28 there is the unique qualifier of God’s discipline given “only in proper measure.” However, I guess the coup de grâce is 1 Samuel 15:22.
Transitioning to the New Testament the concept of discipline is much more oriented to self-discipline as we transition from the law to the period of grace. Hebrews 12:5 – 11 brings the concept together by illustrating how all of the seemingly rigid Old Testament concepts will eventually translate into righteousness and peace for the person receiving discipline. Romans 6: 1 – 14 (especially verse 1) focuses on the fact that grace is available, but we should be more self-disciplined and not put ourselves in the position of constantly falling back on God and others to extend that grace when we, in fact should have exhibited better self-control in our lives.
As I look back on my life, I am reminded of when I left a denomination because of the strong legalistic approach to Christianity. The reality was that I found it much easier listening to the teachings on grace than I did on obedience. Most of us love the teachings from Matthew 18:22 about forgiving 70 times 7, yet we ignore the equally important messages in Matthew 18:15 – 17 and Paul’s teachings (2 Timothy 4:2, Titus 1:13, 2:15) that help us mature as believers.
Discipline is hard – painful at times, horribly painful, especially for someone who loves another believer the way I love my leaders and students. Yet, it must be just and that is where we must try to think like God thinks. That is especially hard for us while we are here on earth, because the flesh is unrelenting and the demonic angels will NEVER let us forget our own shortcomings. The key is we have to measure the long-term good, not just what will get us past the present issue.
Here is the gauge I try to use and it is probably not perfect, but it is what seems best to me at this point in life: Mistakes or problems must be forgiven, but the circumstances that created them must be lived with. Disobedience requires discipline and all that goes along with it, no matter how painful it may be to the person executing it. Remember that we will be disciplined if we do not carry out the appropriate discipline. It usually comes back to us because we have enabled negative behavior. That hurts others as well as yourself.
Love Dad