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 (ESV)
What would we say about a parent that only rewards? A parent that gives their child whatever they want? A parent that only asks that their child say what they want and they give it? Would we not consider this borderline child abuse? A parent that turns a blind eye to disobedience, criminal behavior, or anything that might be considered negative? Can you imagine?
I say this because this is the God that many Christians today apparently have created to serve. Every week you can hear the latest glowing messages from feel good preachers selling a false god. Just walk through Facebook on any day and you will be exhorted greatly about this false god:
Speak blessings into your presence!
There is a supernatural shift in your atmosphere!
As the key verses say, we are not despise the Lord's discipline. The real problem is that we no longer seem to believe the Lord even engages in discipline, let alone despising it! This is at the core of hyper-grace preaching and many seeker friendly theologies. Ironically, they create a God they claim is all about love yet according to these key verses if God does not reprove then He does not love. He takes no delight in us if He does not reprove us. The same way we reprove our own kids out of love.
Be careful the god you create beloved. Love is not us getting everything we want. Love is not always rainbows and bunnies. When we say encouragement we seem to mean, "scratch my itching ears." When we say edify we seem to mean, "tell me what I want to hear." When we say love we seem to mean, "let me do what I want." That is not encouragement. It is not edification. It most certainly is not love. Simply put, that is not God you are worshiping. It is something you have created.
On the last day, you will not stand before the god you created to give account.
