The big headlines this week have been the news about President-elect Trump’s picks for his cabinet members. Mr. Trump attended a UFC match this week with some of his potential cabinet members. There are bound to be fights within Congress over Mr. Trump’s questionable selections for his cabinet.
President-elect Trump’s America First policy reflects his agenda and priorities. The new administration is more focused on the ways of the world than on the ways of God.
- Pride
- Greed
- Force
- Uncontrolled
One of the biggest surprises this week has been Mr. Trump’s choice of Matt Gaetz for Atty. General. Matt Gaetz has been the subject of internal investigations of his social life for years. Mr. Gaetz is also known for being brash and outspoken.
Mr. Gaetz is not known for following the rules, although claiming to be a Christian he has lived quite to the contrary. This week Mr. Gaetz resigned from Congress just before a damaging report was to be released about allegations of his illegal and immoral activities. Mr. Gaetz is hell-bent on avoiding being disciplined for his actions (Proverbs 10:17.)
Discipline
Discipline isn’t a popular subject, especially in a world that wants to live how it chooses without any consequences. Discipline, however, is imperative in life; both socially and spiritually.
For decades, the Republican party has identified as a party of “Law and order.” Discipline is defined as, “The practice of training people to obey; rules or code of behavior, punishment. So, discipline isn’t solely used for punishment, but to correct and to teach people a better way to live.
Discipline in society has become controversial because everyone wants to be free to live however they choose to. But the truth is actions have consequences and may require discipline.
Discipline has a lot of spiritual significance. God has been disciplined mankind every since the fall in the garden, not because he is mad, but because he loves his creation and wants us to live and act the right way.
Man’s sinful nature leads us the wrong way because our flesh is tainted and selfish. Just like little children we each must be taught and trained to do what is right (1 Timothy 4:8.) Christianity emphasizes the need for discipline amongst God’s people (Romans 7:14-20, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 6:1-9, 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, 2 Timothy 3: 16-17.) The Apostle Paul remembered his Jewish education about the importance of discipline.
Mûsār
Because of the fall, the world was out of control. That is why God called his people to be devoted to Him and His ways (Exodus 19:5-6, Deuteronomy 14:2.)
Discipline is very important in Judaism (Job 5:17, Psalm 94:12-14, Proverbs 15:32; 23:13-14.) The Hebrew word in the Old Testament for discipline is mûsār and it can also mean, “Chastisement, rebuke, correction, check or bond,” depending on the context it is used in.
The teachings of God are the disciplines His people are to obey. God’s disciplines are a way for God’s people to follow Him. In Judaism, the education process extends beyond the childhood years for the best students who have the opportunity to become teachers and teach God’s people the Torah.
These disciples or Talmid followed a specific Rabbi who chose them to learn God’s ways and his teachings. Discipleship means forsaking everything and following and learning from your Rabbi. In every way, a disciple becomes like their Rabbi.
- Commitment
- Teaching
- Incorporating
- Trusting
- Following
- Serving
- Living with a Rabbi
- Bar mitzvah
Jesus called His disciples and taught them a better way to live. He didn’t always tell them what they wanted to hear. He got frustrated with them over their worldly thinking (Matthew 17:14-20, Luke 9:41 Mark 9:19.)
Jesus rebuked His disciples when they wanted to be like the world (Matthew 20:25-28.) Discipleship requires a lifestyle change for all of us. It does us no good to gain the whole world, yet forfeit our souls (Mark 8:36.)
No Mr. Gaetz we don’t get to follow Jesus and the world because we cannot serve two Masters (Matthew 6:24, 1 John 2:15-16.) God’s people need to understand there are consequences in life for our disobedience (John 14:15, Romans 5:19; 6:23.)
Russia
In other headlines this week Ukraine was finally permitted to use Western weapons to fight back against the attacks and oppression of Russia. Russia and Mr. Putin have been trying to control Ukraine for over a decade.
It all started with the invasion of Crimea and the Donbas region, up until now Mr. Putin’s land grab has met with little offensive. Now, a decade later the free people of Ukraine are fighting back against the evil acts of Russia.
Unfortunately, Mr. Putin’s Christian beliefs aren’t being reflected in his actions. By his actions, Putin has denied his faith. Now Russia is reaping the consequences of their actions. Like many in America, Putin has failed to deny himself, because he lacks discipline of the faith.
- Greed
- Deception
- Vengeance
As I write this Mr. Putin has threatened nuclear retaliation for Ukraine’s use of Western-made weapons to defend themselves and their land. Russia failed to understand that actions have consequences.
It takes wisdom and self-control to learn to put others before ourselves. God’s people must follow the disciplines of the shepherd and not this world. That is why our good Shepherd knows how and when to use mûsār!
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