"Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding." Proverbs 15:32
The purpose of discipline is not to humiliate. Although it may be somewhat painful at times, it's for our own good.
In one way or another, everyone gets corrected at some point. This correction may come from God, from other humans or from life itself. But, it will never come from the devil.
Therefore, blessed are the meek who accept discipline, because it is a Divine tool that's necessary for salvation.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
It is only possible to live in a violent, unrighteous world and subject yourself to the persecutions of the enemies of the cross if you have the direction, anointing and protection of the Holy Spirit. Only He can maintain the Christian firm in the faith and walking in the path to salvation. It is impossible to remain saved without His presence.
"...for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 13:3
The Lord knows us better than anyone else. When He tests us, He wants us to get to know ourselves better too. Sacrifice is the best way for us to test our faith in His Word.
"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."1 John 5:4
The Lord Jesus overcame the devil and the world because He was born of the Spirit of God. Being a member of a Christian church, remaining faithful to your vows and attending Sunday service doesn't necessarily mean that you are born of God. What characterizes those who are born of God is their initiative to live apart from sin, which is the greatest victory of those who are truly born of the Spirit.
"And if the children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." Romans 8:17
That is the reward for those who remain firm in the faith until the end. Everything ends... But for the few who practice righteousness, the best part will come at the end. For the many others, who are unrighteous, their end will be sad, painful and worst of all ― eternal.
"Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle."Psalm 43:3
Only those who are enlightened by the Light of the Gospel find joy in offering their lives on the Altar of God, persevere in practicing His Word and use an intelligent faith.
"If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do what Abraham did." John 8:39
With that answer, Jesus defined who are truly God's children. God's children do the work of God and the devil's children do the work of the devil. Being righteous, using your Christian faith and being merciful characterize the attitude of a child of God. But the practice of injustice, sin and selfishness characterize the the attitude of the devil's children. The children of the devil obey their own will.
