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Author: Nico Angleys, from the Servants of the Word, an international, ecumenical brotherhood of men living single for the Lord.

Belonging is for the long term

In Hebrews, we read, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:11-14)

Discipline as the training needed to become holy and the process by which we belong more and more to God is not pleasant or quick. The author of Hebrews gives us in these verses a little motivation and encouragement to hang in there and press through the unpleasantness and discomfort of discipline. Our arms will get tired, our knees will seem to weaken and overall, we’re going to feel out of joint and wobbly. It’s OK though. If we endure, we will taste the fruit of righteousness, be at peace with all those around us, and experience belonging to God. We therefore decide to endure, choose to keep at it, and strive to cooperate with the discipline that God has for us because this will help us to belong more and more to God.

In what areas of my own life can I hear a personal call to endure and press on today? To whom can I give a similar word of encouragement to keep at and to “lift drooping hands” today?

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.