"Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it."

Wow. Can we say that with the psalmist? Do you consider the blow of conviction a kindness? Truly, it is, for it is what will bring us closer to Christlikeness. Do you consider the rebuke of wisdom as precious as the oil of anointment? That is a good description of it, for the Lord's reproof is His anointment upon His children. Think on what is written in Hebrews regarding this subject:

"My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,and chastises every son whom he receives.

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. Besides this, 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."

It is for our good that we must face these rebukes and blows of righteousness. It is "that we may share his holiness" - and how can we share in that, unless we first share in His suffering? Some have said that Christianity is not a "bed of roses," for we must face many trials on our way to glory. However, I would put forth that is indeed a rose garden - for first we must face the thorns of the flesh and the world, and struggle to grow roots that go deep, until finally one day the beautiful flower of Christlike character blooms at the head. And even that must be pruned from time to time, that the quality may continue. And we are not left without encouragement in this growing cycle, for the writer of Hebrews continues:

"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but 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."


(Psalm 141:5; Hebrews 12:5-10,11-13)

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