Bible Reading: Hebrews 12
Memory verse: Hebrews 12:11, “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
The pain of discipline is minute compared to the pain of regret. This statement is very true because exercising discipline when making a choice appears pretty painful at that time. However, the pain of regret can last for years, destroying your life and that of your loved ones.
Let me use drugs as an example. I once saw a documentary on a two teenagers who had no history of drug use. They attended a party during winter and were pressured to try out drugs. They succumbed to the pressure and used the drugs they were offered. Under the influence, they drove out into the snow. Their car broke down in the middle of nowhere and both of them got out of the car and ended up freezing to death. Two young people lost their lives because they lacked the discipline to say no to peer pressure.
For the same reason, many have also ended up in crime, financial ruin and wasted lives. Our fleshly appetite constantly screams for gratification. We also live in a world that says, if it feels good do it. However, it never warns you of the long term consequences. Be on the Lord’s side, choose discipline and you will reap the harvest of righteousness and peace.