Every follower of the Lord Jesus Christ is called to stand against the world. This means living according to principles that will inevitably bring conflict with the idolatrous culture that surrounds us. We should not be surprised. We should be exuberant because this conflict demonstrates that we are fulfilling His purposes.
At the same time, God promises to shape us, and quite often that process is painful. Quite often it feels like punishment. But it is not wrath. Punishment has purpose. It is designed to bring conformity to purity. Once more, when we are punished, it is a sign of God’s election. The man who does not know God feels no pain over his sin.
God’s punishment is the assurance that He cares enough to correct us. It is the assurance that we have been chosen for His plan. It is the sign of His love.
Skip Moen
Author/Bible Teacher
© Skip Moen
Changi Chapel 
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