We’re called to pray for those in authority …
1 Timothy 2:2 (NASB)
so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
Life seems anything but quiet. Tranquility, godliness and dignity are sorely lacking. It’s not a just a political problem, it’s a spiritual issue.
“The gracious discipline of mercy breaks the ships of our vainglory with a strong east wind, and casts us shipwrecked, naked and forlorn, upon the Rock of Ages.” —Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)
God’s discipline comes wrapped in grace and mercy.
There are many references in Scripture to self-discipline (self-control). I couldn’t find even one about self-punishment.
Apparently, punishment isn’t a DIY job. And that’s something to think about.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Per this verse, I’m not the source of my own self-discipline. It comes from God.
Now that’s something to think about.
It’s not only the motivation of the one punishing. The attitude of the one being disciplined opens the path to punishment.
This Scripture refers to God’s Word and His people. Discipline wasn’t working.
Zechariah 7:11, 13 (ESV)
But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear … “As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear,” says the Lord of hosts.
Their bad attitude bought them punishment (exile), not freedom. In the end, God got their attention. 
This week’s discussion is on discipline and punishment. What’s the difference?
Let’s start with motive:
Love is the motivation behind discipline:
Proverbs 3:12 (NET)
For the Lord disciplines those he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.
Loving discipline may involve punishment. But not all punishment is motivated by love.
Ecclesiastes 7:9
Do not let yourself be quickly provoked, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
Punishment motivated by anger is foolishness.
The lure of social media —
Scroll down. Just one more click.
And another.
Minutes fly by, with nothing to show for it.
2 Timothy 2:15 (MEV)
Study to show yourself approved by God,
a workman who need not be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
Q: Would God approve of my aimless scrolling?
A: Not likely.
I know what I need to do. How about you?
Envy–that’s a problem.
James 3:16 (EXB)
Where jealousy [or envy] and selfishness [selfish ambition] are, there will be confusion [chaos; disorder].
Wishing I had what others do (wealth, popularity or social status) rarely leads to something good. James offers the antidote.
James 3:18
People who work for peace in a peaceful way plant a good crop of right living [or Peacemakers who sow with peace will harvest a crop of justice/righteousness].
Sow envy, reap chaos. Sow peace, reap justice and righteousness.
Lord God, show me how to plant a good crop of right living. I need less envy, more peace.
1 Corinthians 13:5 (EXB)
Love does not count up [keep a record of]
wrongs that have been done.
Do I keep a record of wrongs? Absolutely.
I tell myself, “I’ll get him back!”
Yup, I keep score.
“Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”
Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1897
Teach me to number my blessings, Lord, not my hurts. Help me let go of my grudges. Fill my heart with gratitude. 
It’s time to deal with my bad habits. Let’s start with procrastination (even though I’d rather put it off).
Proverbs 6:10-11 (NKJV)
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.
What goes in place of procrastination? I’ll aim for diligence.
2 Peter 1:5
… giving all diligence, add to your faith …
Lord, You know how I put things off. Let’s put an end to it, right here, right now. Equip me with the diligence to start promptly, work carefully and finish the job.
