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 (Heb. 12:11).

In his book, The Great Divorce, C. S. Lewis describes a man troubled by a red lizard sitting on his shoulder.  This lizard, representing sin and the temptations with which we wrestle, constantly taunts the man.

One day, an angel offers his services, promising to rid the man of this pesky tormentor, and the man is thrilled. But as the angel prepares to strike the lizard, the man suddenly has second thoughts. What will life be like without this familiar creature that has given his life pattern and, even, occasional pleasure?

The man’s hesitation signals a willingness to endure the lizard rather than risk a change. So, the angel prompts him: This is the moment. You must decide!

The story reminds us how comfortable we can become with our sin. We dream of being rid of the habits that hinder our relationship with God, but also dread being without their familiar comforts.

So, in his Fatherly care, our God allows the consequences of sin to be painful, while promising that there is a better life of peace and righteousness beyond the lizard’s lies.

So much of living without the burden and pain of sin is simply believing that life could be better without it. God’s gracious discipline accompanies the promises of his Word so that our pain prods us to claim his blessings.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to submit to your discipline for my sin, so that I may be prodded by the pain to claim your promises of the “peaceful fruit of righteousness” that blesses the life you design.