Make Straight Paths

      Think back to your childhood. What was your favorite part of being a kid? I know, it was the spankings, groundings and other times of discipline. Obviously not. However, if you are like me, now that you are older, you appreciate most of the discipline your parents gave you.

      God used this concept as an illustration in Hebrews 12:4-11. God disciplines His children whom He loves. He concluded by saying, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” It is tough in the moment, but in the long run it will be worth it.

      We need to keep in mind that discipline is not always punishment. Discipline is anything that makes us grow stronger. For instance, James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Those trials do not necessarily come as a punishment for some specific sin. As we work our way through them, counting it all joy, we are disciplined and strengthened, which causes growth.

      However, many Christians, because of weakness, are unable to see God’s hand in the discipline. Instead of growing and receiving the fruit of righteousness, they stumble and fall. The Hebrew writer goes on to say, “Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed” (Hebrews 12:12-13).

      God expects His children to support one another and help them through times of discipline. Is the Christian going through a tough time of sickness? Perhaps a financial hardship. Maybe family troubles. Whatever the trial, our duty is to help our brethren see how the hardship can actually be a period of great growth.

      We need to strengthen those weak hands and feeble knees. We need to do what we can to help them through the difficult times, making their path as straight as possible. As we work together with those who are struggling, their wounds will not be put further out of joint, but will be healed.

      Here is the key we must notice—personal involvement. We have to be involved in one another’s lives. It is not enough to “go to church” with someone. We need to get involved in their lives and see what paths we can make straight for them. I know you cannot do this for every other Christian in the congregation, but you can do it for one. When we are all strengthening someone else, everyone gets strengthened. Whose path will you help straighten?

Edwin L. Crozier