Proof of sonship

Hebrews 12:8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. In this verse we are given encouragement as sons and daughters of God. All of God’s children partake in or are companions in the discipline of our Father, God. What is that discipline? It’s the process of learning obedience and having their senses trained to discern good and evil through suffering. It’s the daily practice of putting off encumbrances and the sin of unbelief and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. The author encouraged them that if they found themselves growing weary and tired of the difficulties of life as they ran the course God set before them, then they were to keep drawing near to His throne for grace. The repeated practice of abiding was the very proof that they are children of God. Deep down in their hearts, they know that they must keep on running with their eyes fixed on the finish line and He who stands there to receive them.  In contrast, those who are illegitimate children, not children of the Father, God, are revealed through the fact that they don’t even recognize the Father’s discipline. They don’t recognize it because they do not believe He exists or that they are in a race at all. The course is not set before them. They don’t see any finish line. They see themselves as carefree and inclined to choose whatever path they wish, which usually is the path of least resistance.  I’m reminded of the years I coached high school basketball. If they were to win the prize, they had to do the hard work of being in better shape than their opponents. One of the most important aspects of practice each day was running—sprints back and forth up and down the court—for a long time. They ran until they ached, and blisters were inevitable. However, they were companions in the discipline. They hurt together, complained together, encouraged one another, and went undefeated. They faced teams with more talent but had been partakers of loving discipline. I loved them, and they loved me. They played basketball by faith, trusting the Holy Spirit to remind them of game preparation and coaching. Without a coach, they would have done whatever they wanted and would have lost most of their games. But with a coach and loving discipline, they had an amazing season. We have a heavenly Father who loves us and is coaching (discipling us) every day through the circumstances of life He has put in our paths. The discipline is proof of sonship. We are encouraged in this verse to receive whatever hardships come our way with confidence that our Father is training us and growing us up into Christlikeness for His glory. Purposing to live to love with Jesus keeps you in the mindset that will carry you to the prize and result in an amazing life.