My Two Sets of Parents

And you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking for yourselves a king. 1 Samuel 12:17

As a child, I understood that I had two sets of parents. On the one hand, my first set of parents were kind and loving. I much preferred those parents. When I was in trouble though, I met the other set of parents – my discipline parents. I didn’t like them as much. I found them to be unfair and unreasonable. As a parent myself now, I understand that loving parents must also practice discipline, but back then, in my child’s mind, the discipline parents were completely unnecessary. If I’d have had my way, that set of parents would have gone on a permanent vacation.

I’ve approached God much the same way. When it comes to his interaction with me, I prefer a God of mercy, love, and grace. Just as I didn’t much like my discipline parents, I also don’t much like a God who corrects me. If I’m not careful, I can allow my beliefs to develop around my preferences. Growing up, I understood God would forgive me for any sin, so I developed a faith in which I could do whatever I wanted and then simply ask forgiveness later. Then, when I later encountered painful consequences for my sin, I was shocked and offended. But God, I’ve been forgiven. What about your love, mercy, and grace?

When it comes to his interaction with me, I want God to be a kindly grandfather – an affable fellow who never raises his voice. Today’s passage though, reveals that God also employs discipline. In the story, Israel demanded a king, even though God had forbidden the practice. In response to his people’s sin, God sent rains at the time of harvest. God was displeased with his children’s disobedience and so, he disciplined them.

It’s tempting to believe in a god of our own creation. God is love. I can’t believe in any god who disciplines us. As parents though, we know that any parent that truly loves his (or her) children must also employ discipline. Of course, when we’re on the receiving end of God’s discipline, we find it unfair and unreasonable. To fail to see God’s hand in our discipline though would be tragic. To never connect our self-destructive behavior with their consequences, would mean that we’d never be compelled to stop the self-destructive behavior. Not all of life’s trials are our fault, but when we sin, God allows us to suffer the consequences. Whether we like it or believe in it, that’s what a loving parent does for his children.