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Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Hebrews 12:11

Explanation:

The word “chastening” here speaks of a discipline that is external, coming from our heavenly Father who loves us and wants us to do right. We do not love to be disciplined.  But a loving father sees a lack of self-discipline and must enforce that discipline upon his kids. This is what that chastening is. It is not something that we naturally come to with joyfulness. Here the word that describes it is grievous. 

Yet, discipline is freedom.  It brings about amazing effects- hear called “the peaceable fruit of righteousness”.  Life (think prosperity, health, wellness) comes from the discipline that is exercised toward righteousness. The person who is disciplined in what they eat and how they exercise can do more with their body for longer periods of time. The person who is disciplined with their mind can accomplish more in terms of their capacity to think and reason. 

Application:

We tend to think that we can be undisciplined and it will not catch up with us. We tend to think that we can escape the effects of sin, and enjoy it for a season. Yet, the wages of sin is death. Sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. If God is “chastening” you, don’t hate it. Don’t waste it. Use it to help you to grow and be better.

Response

Who do you need to have a conversation with about an area where you are undisciplined? You can have the pain of accountability or the pain of the fruit of un-discipline. The pain of accountability is far better.