It’s unusual to encounter parents who do not have a vision for the kind of person they want their children to be. The parameters and direction of their discipline is often fueled by that vision, to not just produce a minimally acceptable “citizen” who behaves according to the norm, but whose feet are set upon the path to achieve what was envisioned. The topic of discipline is brought up here not as a reminder that God won’t turn a blind eye to sin or wrongful behavior, but in the context of having a greater plan for His children: “holiness” and “righteousness“.

Another way of expressing these qualities is “set apart exclusively for Christ” and “living exclusively according to His Word”. That’s the practical effect of “holiness” and “righteousness“. These are words so often used throughout Scripture that it’s difficult to find very long passages without some kind of reference to one or the other. And yet there seem to be a lot of believers who view these terms as lofty or unattainable by anyone except Christ Himself. If we were to study them in context throughout Scripture, we’d find they are the precise and succinct definition of the work of sanctification sought for every believer’s life. They’re not so lofty as to be some kind of cosmic extra credit, but actually the minimum requirements which God has made attainable.

Yes, sometimes like an idiot child I run across the street without looking and need to be disciplined to change that bad behavior. But more often than not, parental discipline is a set of guidelines changing depending on age, activity, and in general intended to lead to becoming the person they envision. It may be helpful to understand the difference, but even more so to willingly embrace the goal. Things are often not a direct extension of punishment, but guidance towards being exclusively set apart for Christ according to His Word and ways._††_†

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