Is correction and discipline for everyone really necessary?
No one enjoys being corrected or disciplined. Children hate it, but it is absolutely necessary. Children who are given little or no correction and discipline become unruly, juvenile delinquents and usually criminals. Most members of gangs had little correction, discipline and guidance as children. Rejection of correction always ends in disaster.
"He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly" (Proverbs 13:24).
"He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy" (Proverbs 29:1).
The same is true in the spiritual world and for adults. Everyone who trusts in Jesus Christ to save them starts as a spiritual baby. Everyone must grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus the Messiah.
"You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" ((2 Peter 3:17-18).
One way to grow spiritually is to accept correction and spiritual discipline from one's spiritual parents – physical parents, pastors, deacons, and elders.
"Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5).
We must also accept correction, discipline and chastisement from our Heavenly Father. He disciplines us for our own good just as fathers discipline their children.
"You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the LORD your God chastens you" (Deuteronomy 8:5).
"Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O LORD, and whom You teach out of Your law" (Psalm 94:12).
