Are you offended by the “D” Word?
It is now politically correct to use the first letter of a word that is considered to be offensive or rude. Some attribute the “n” word as being the word that set the trend. By the way “that” word has always offended and disgusted me even before I became a follower of Christ: but we will leave that topic for another day.
Even before the political correctness of today using the first letter of an offensive word has been in my family for years. We all know about the “F” word. The first time I used the word I had no idea what it meant and was given so much love and attention by my father that I couldn’t set down for a week.
Not long ago I was in my car with my 5 year old grandson Micah, when I made the comment “Can you believe how stupid some people drive?” Micah quickly told me we don’t use the “s” word. He was correct, so I changed my statement to “Can you believe how dumb people drive?” Then he said we don’t use that word (the “d” word) either papaw. It wasn’t being corrected by a 5 year old that offended and upset me as much as knowing that I couldn’t use the “D” word, which by the way is my favorite adjective in describing drivers that drive 5 miles under the speed limit in the left lane (again we will leave that topic for another day).
Over the years I found that the “D” word is offensive to a lot of Christians: I am not talking about the word “dumb” I am talking about the word discipline. As I was reading from Hebrews 12:7-11 where God assures us if we are His children we will be disciplined.
I constantly hear the question “How can God punish those He loves”. Well God doesn’t punish those He loves!
Get this… “Punishment focuses on judgment and the past, while discipline focuses on the person and the future”
In the New Testament the Greek word for discipline is “paideia” (pronounced pahee-di’-ah) and refers to educating, training, correcting, and nurturing.
When it comes to discipline Christians seem to be offended when the “D” word is mentioned when all the time God’s only reason is to make us better people and give us a better future. Hebrews 12:10-11 says “God disciplines us for our good that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace…” (NIV)
Parents here is a keen idea, when correcting your children use the “D” word instead of punishment.
By the way in the upcoming weeks we will be discussing another word that Christ followers seem to have a tough time dealing with the other “F” word…Forgiveness.
God Bless
Pastor Larry
