Stan Geisz shared this with me via email after last week’s lesson:
RE: our discussion of God’s “discipline” and how we kinda used it interchangeably with “punishment”…
I used to teach a management class on employee performance. One topic was the difference between discipline and punishment. Discipline is usually defined as a “process, method, or study” to correct a deficiency or improper behavior. It does not have to be punitive. Kind of like when God redirects us or guides us back to the proper way of doing things. We have the freedom to choose to accept the discipline (corrections) or not. When we don’t, we suffer “consequences” which is another word for punishment.
I just don’t feel comfortable when people use the word discipline when they mean punishment. Some use punishment as a way to mandate behavior, as in, “do it right or I’ll do such and so.”
RE: our discussion of how life in the “ghetto” is a good example of the sins of the fathers being visited on the sons…
One other thing…I think the idea of three generations of no dad or whatever things are going on in southtown is a little light…I had women working for me at Cat that were in their late 20s and already grandmothers. I think a lot of these folks, the kids on the street now, are fifth or sixth generation or more. Less than 30 years from first to third gen.
Alright, everyone…discuss.
Ed
FEB
About the Author:
Ed is Connections Pastor at WCC - in charge of building connections with GOD (worship, discipleship), OTHERS (grouplife, fellowship), and the WORLD (evangelism, outreach). Ed is a graduate of Lincoln Christian University, and he has been with WCC since September 2005. Ed is happily married to Kim and has two kids, Ed (21) and Janelle (17).