“God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  Hebrews 12:10b -11

We’ve all heard the word…but what does “holiness” really mean?

Holiness means to be set apart in character, spirit, values, or priorities. 

It means to be more like our Father. To be more like God. But the journey towards becoming more like God isn’t easy. Since God is holy and we are not, it’s natural that there will be tension as followers of Jesus struggle to grow, learn, and mature in faith.

And we will experience consequences when we veer off course. Discipline is part of the way God shapes us into His likeness.

The Bible compares God’s discipline to that of a loving, earthly father who disciplines his child in order to help him grow into a strong, independent, and wise adult. Even though this father loves his children dearly, he will love them by disciplining them and lovingly guiding them through life’s trials. This is a father’s love.

In the same way, our Heavenly Father disciplines His children out of love. It’s not because He’s cruel. It’s because He loves us and wants the very best for our lives.

But you can be assured of this: when we do mess up and we’ve tried every other option – God will be right there, ready to love and guide us through the consequences of our actions.

God will never stop shaping us into what He has created us to be – a child who is more and more like His Father.

Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH

MORE ABOUT BEING LIKE JESUS

Read “Looking Like Jesus in a Modern World” also by Bryant Wright