Daily devotional, June 29, 2024 Asian Mom Slippers
"Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent."
Revelation 3:19
Watch any Asian Mom Meme in social media and chances are you will see a video about an “Asian Mom Belt,” an “Asian Mom Sandal,” and “Asian Mom Hanger.” No, these videos are not about Asian moms being fashionable, but it is about Asian moms having a certain brand of discipline far different from their western counterparts.
As followers of Jesus, we too are subject to our Heavenly Father’s discipline. The Bible tells us that as children of God, we need to endure the Lord’s training so that we could live godly and fruitful lives. Read this verse from the Book of Proverbs:
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights."
Proverbs 3:11-12
In his letter to the Hebrews, St. Paul the Apostle quoted the above-mentioned passage as He exhorted Jewish Christians to endure difficulties that they encounter when they feel like they are being punished for their sins or would have to face hardship to follow God’s commands.
"It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons." Hebrews 12:7-8
When we sin, we reject God’s commands and teachings. He in turn disciplines us, but not to reject nor condemn us. He does so to correct our behavior and help us become a better person, much like what responsible human parents do.
"We have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness."
Hebrews 12:9-10
So what does God’s discipline look like for present day followers of Jesus like us? Well, first like early Christians, we are subject to His house rules. We are called to follow the Ten Commandments and all His teachings in the Bible. It is a tall order to keep these commands, but as Christians we have to train our very best to sin less andless.
"Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law; you grant them relief from days of trouble”
Psalm 94:12-13
The second type of discipline is when the Lord allows the natural consequences of our sin to cause us hardship. For instance, adultery would cause us guilt, shame, distress, and family problems. Covetousness on the other hand could cause us financial distress. Gossiping and rumor mongering could cause us to have strained relationships with others, and laziness would give us trouble in our careers or health problems.
"Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence."
Proverbs 15:32
Another type of disciplining that the Lord can impose on us is the discipline that trains us to endure hardships that will help us carry out the mission that He has for us. A good example is David’s journey as a fugitive. The “training” he went through running away from Saul, and the difficulties He encountered made Him a great King over God’s chosen people.
"Count it all joy, my brothers,when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
James 1:2-4
We also sometimes experience God’s discipline to help us grow our faith, grow in righteousness, and have the ability to comfort others.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
And while as children we felt fearful when we knew that we might just experience the “Asian Mom Belt,” or the “Asian Mom Sandal,” or the “Asian Mom Hanger,” or the “Asian Mom Statements” we should not feel so discouraged when we feel the Lord’s disciplining upon us. Because while it is unpleasant to go through such difficulties, it is far better than being ignored by the Lord and experience his anger in the end.
Because when God allows us to continue doing bad things, it only means that we are not His children and that sooner or later, we will face His wrath.
"For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found." Psalm 37:9-10
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 37 and Hebrews 12:3-13 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are you currently experiencing the Lord’s discipline? Why do you think you are undergoing such circumstances?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for adopting me into your family. Thank you for loving me enough to call my attention, allow me to face consequences of my sins, and train me to become more righteous. Sorry for the times I feel discouraged when I undergo your discipline, and please be with me through life so I could joyfully endure the challenges I will face in my faith journey. Amen.
