A Trip to the Woodshed

When I was a lad growing up in the small town of Martinez, California, on occasion my mother would worn me that if I didn’t behave myself she would tell my dad when he got home from work.  You know what that meant; a trip to the woodshed.

I remember only a few unpleasant trips, because I learned quickly that obedience was to my advantage.  Dad wasn’t abusive, but he believed in discipline.  He raised four children with good moral values and upstanding character.  He instilled in each of us respect for the rules at home and God’s commandments.

I thought Dad was unreasonable at times and a little hard on my buttocks, but his goal was to train me in the way of right living.  He knew the importance of correction and administering it in love.  A trip to the woodshed now and then taught me obedience.  Having raised three children of my own, I appreciate Dad’s commitment to the value of obedience.  I too imparted this respect of authority to my children, in love.

(Hebrews 12:11)  “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Our Father in heaven also knows the importance of correction, for without chastisement, the Bible says that we are not His children.  I have come to realize that correction equals love and son-ship.    

(Hebrews 12:5-8), “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:  My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked of Him:” vs.6 “For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives.”   vs.7 “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?”  vs.8 “But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.”

I don’t know how many trips you’ve made to the woodshed before you got the message, but God, in His infinite love, continues His correction to form us into obedient children in the image of Christ.  He’s preparing us to spend eternity with Him. 

(John 3:16-18), “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” vs.17 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” vs.18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

If things seem to be going somewhat wrong, perhaps God is trying to get your attention, or the devil is buffeting you.  The answer is to draw closer to God through obedience, prayer and reading the Bible.  You’ll be amazed at what God reveals to you in those quiet times with Him.  He has your best interest at heart and wants to commune with you.

Obedience is better than sacrifice.  Given the choice between sacrificing peace of mind, joy in living and right standing with God, I choose to obey God and save another trip to the woodshed.  It is a better way to live and enjoy life.  Kicking against the authority of God does not accomplish much.  The Lord is determined to make us into the image of His dear son, Jesus, because of the amazing love He has for us.

Written by,

Papa Boyd