How Can I Be a Better Person?
Written by our Founder
I can be a better person by asking God to discipline me for the purpose of godliness (1 Tim. 4:7). When God disciplines me, I know He loves me. This is an awesome truth that not many understand. Let's look at Hebrews 12:5-10—“My son (or daughter), do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the Lord loves, He disciplines... it is for discipline that you (and I) endure... Without discipline we are illegitimate children (not God's, but Satan's). Be subject (serve and love others in the name of Jesus) to the Father of spirits (Lord of heaven and earth over all of us including Satan and his angels) and live. God disciplines us for our good that we may share in His holiness.”
Isn't that fantastic? That's my goal. I am severely reproved by the Lord, because He knows I can handle it. It's tough love from God, Himself, but so, so necessary to become a better person. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful. Yet those who have been trained by it know that afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness (Heb. 12:11).
Hebrews 12:12-15 tells us how to walk in that righteousness—help the elderly, lame, and anyone in need. The thought is climaxed when God says don't come short of the grace of God. This shows that the righteousness performed in Jesus’ name, especially for the elderly, lame, blind, needy, orphans, and widows, is imperative to sharing in His holiness (James 1:27; Heb. 12:10).
The following Scripture portion is so comforting to me, that when God reproves and disciplines me, I better understand what's happening and therefore handle each test, trial and disciplinary action God allows so much better. Let's look at 1 Peter 4:1:
First: Christ had to suffer in the flesh (the physical state we are in now).
Second: We must arm ourselves (be prepared) for the same purpose.
Third: Those who have suffered in the flesh have ceased from sin (sin has been crushed in their bodies).
Hurrah! Hurrah! My goal in this life is to become a better person by ceasing from sin and living like my Brother, Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:8 says, "Keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins." There are so many neat promises from God, aren’t there? Now for a final Scripture, look in 1 Peter 4:19: "Let those who suffer according to the Will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right (practice righteousness)."
Thank you, Lord, for Your special Ways that bring us into Your presence and subjection, making us useful vessels in Your service. I know that the discipline for the moment is not joyful but sorrowful, and I need Your strength Lord, to make it. I must think positive and know that Your discipline will produce godly character and the peaceful fruit of righteousness, so that I can share in Your holiness. My goal is to become like You, Lord, and reap eternal life.