Hard Work Of Discipline

It was tearing me up. I had to watch my son take care of a discipline issue with one of his daughters. It was hard to watch. I knew it was necessary, and I’m so glad he didn’t let it go and take the easy way out. But as much as it was not fun for him, it was also not fun for Grandpa to see. But 15 minutes later, it was obvious that facing the challenge instead of ignoring it was well worth it for both Junior and his little girl. There was a complete attitude change and evident joy that had not been there until after dad won the battle decisively.Sadly, most parents would have taken the easy way out and ignored the root problem. And that’s why they pay the price years later when rebellion or terrible life choices create huge amounts of grief. Discipline is hard to administer, I think even harder than receiving. But the alternative ends up being a lot harder in the long run.I had to experience this in another way this week. To be a good leader, you have to be willing to face challenges and make hard decisions. But as I learned when raising my kids, doing the hard things now makes life better for everyone involved down the road (Proverbs 22:10 & Proverbs 26:20). As painful as it may be for the person on the receiving end of discipline, it’s ultimately better for them as well.It’s a lot easier to avoid tough conversations. It’s a lot easier to look the other way and allow poor attitudes and murmuring to continue in the workplace. It’s a lot easier to just not say anything, or pretend everything is wonderful. Or to keep giving second, third, or fourth chances. But that’s only easier in the short term. Down the road, going the easy route makes it so much harder for everyone involved, the people causing the problems, as well as those they are affecting and infecting. One of the biggest frustrations of workers on a job is a boss who won’t do the hard stuff of leadership and deal with problems head-on.Have you been taking the easy road? With your kids? With your employees or coworkers? With a friend? Your spouse? What would doing the hard but right thing look like for you in the drama that you find yourself surrounded with?I’m glad Jesus didn’t take the easy road. It would have been easier for him to ignore our sin, allow us to go off into eternity separated from him forever, to never fulfill our purpose. We would have been lost and condemned forever. But he did the hard thing. He confronted our sin and then took it to the cross. I’m forever grateful for that kind of love and courage. And I’m now committed to emulating it as best I can.