Childhood #7 – Growing through Discipline
Have you ever pondered the difference between punishment and discipline? For years I did not see the difference. I assumed that to be disciplined was to be punished, and to be punished was to be disciplined. Over time, however, I came to realise they are two very different concepts. While neither may feel especially pleasant in the moment, their outcomes are often worlds apart.
Punishment is usually the result of our own actions. We did something wrong, careless, or harmful, and consequences followed.
Discipline, however, is different. Discipline trains us for greater fruitfulness. It develops effectiveness, maturity, and strength. When a grapevine is disciplined along a trellis, the purpose is not harm but growth. The vine is guided so that it may bear more fruit, with stronger branches and a richer harvest. The shorter-term discomfort leads to longer-term gain.
Discipline is the loving intervention of another for our greater good.
Think of a child. Discipline helps them gain skills, develop emotional maturity, strengthen their thinking, improve physical coordination, and learn healthy relationships. A young child may begin with little hand-eye coordination, yet through patient practice and correction they learn to run, catch, throw, and kick a ball. What once seemed impossible becomes natural through discipline. With growth comes joy, confidence, and increasing ability.
So we see that discipline builds a person.
The same is true in spiritual formation. We need training. We need practice. We need loving correction so that we become fruitful disciples of Jesus.
I spent many years attending prayer conferences focused on spiritual warfare to gain insight, wisdom, understanding, and practical skill in prayer. Much was taught, but just as importantly, much was practised. We went on prayer assignments, reported back, learned from one another, and received correction from leaders when attitudes or actions did not reflect Christ and His kingdom.
That process was discipline—and it was good.
Hebrews 12:5–11 reminds us that discipline is part of being children of our heavenly Father. If we are never disciplined, something is missing in the relationship. Though discipline can be painful at the time, it is given for our benefit and produces “a harvest of righteousness and peace.”
As we walk through the childhood phase of discipleship, we should learn to expect and willingly embrace the discipline of the Lord. We should welcome the shaping of our hearts to become more like Jesus. Our actions should increasingly align with the values of His kingdom. Mercy and justice, marked by God’s love, should flow from us more freely and more powerfully.
We must also learn the discipline of saying no to things that may not be sinful, yet are unfruitful. Jesus warned in Matthew 13:22 that the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of wealth can choke the Word of God. These things are not always evil in themselves, but they can crowd out what matters most.
Likewise, we must develop the discipline of saying yes to what builds us in Christ. In 2 Peter 1:5–8, we are urged to grow in faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. These qualities increase our fruitfulness and effectiveness in knowing Jesus.
Discipline may stretch us now, but it prepares us for a richer harvest later.
Reflection Questions
Have I confused punishment with discipline in my understanding of God?
In what areas of life might the Lord currently be training me for greater fruitfulness?
What distractions may be choking spiritual growth in my life?
How can I help disciple someone else through loving encouragement, guidance, and godly correction?
What practical step of obedience can I take this week in response to God’s discipline?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You that Your discipline is rooted in love and not rejection. Help me to trust Your shaping hand, even when the process feels uncomfortable. Train my heart to become more like Jesus. Remove what hinders fruitfulness and grow within me all that pleases You. Teach me to welcome correction, pursue maturity, and walk in righteousness and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Call to Action
This week, ask the Lord to reveal one area where He is disciplining you for growth. Instead of resisting it, cooperate with Him intentionally. Choose one practical step of obedience and begin walking in it today.
This blog was written by Richard Botta.
