Hebrews 12:11 says: “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

If you want to see the principles in this verse at work in a very personal and practical way, try to lose weight. Or teach your children to be nice to each other.

Eleanor Roosevelt is quoted as saying, “The surest way to make it hard for children is to make it easy for them.”

I have this quote hanging where I will see it often, because it’s no fun to discipline my kids and I don’t like to do it! (If it’s fun for you, umm, may I suggest counseling?) It is unpleasant and it hurts for all parties involved, but it is only for the NOW. The LATER promises peace through obedience. As a parent, I show obedience to God by disciplining my kids. My obedience leads to their obedience: the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

I love the next two verses of Hebrews 12. Here they are with verse 11: “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.”

I’m doing a Bible study with a friend, and this week these verses are in focus. I know that it wasn’t written primarily for people getting their physical bodies into shape, but my spiritual character definitely has physical ramifications. The way I treat my body is representative of my life with God. Attitudes come out in the flesh.

I praise God that He has promised growth and life for those who love Him.