"Passing The Torch" part 2

'Character': Believe it or not, this is a noun; and because it is, it has the qualities of a fixed object. The problem is, that for many that think they posses this quality, they really come up short in many areas of their lives. This is a quality in one's persona that discipline instills. So, the main reason that we are chastised by God, is not for wrong committed, but rather that He would be able to instill in us this quality of character. This is the reason for the writing in Hebrews which proclaims, that we should not despise the chastening of the Lord; because it is being done for our benefit, and to create in us a distinguished quality that will be evident that we are His children. Now then; when it comes to 'works', and how they are part of our overall Christian walk, many do not understand that it is not how we perform our works unto the Lord that matter most, but rather why we do those things which are really at the heart of the matter. In other words; it is not about how hard we work, but rather what is motivating us to work that really matters towards God. Remember, God looks at the heart; and because He does, He looks at our motives. Are the works which you do for God to gain recognition? Are they to make a statement about how much you want others to know you love God? Or, are they being done to counter the guilt of your sins? All of these are false qualities of real work unto the Lord; because real work unto the Lord is motivated by love. And it involves a broken heart that just wants to love the Lord, and do those things which are pleasing to Him; with no thought of reward or gratitude in doing them; but simply: Because we love Jesus! This is something that must be lived out in our lives; and greater yet, it is something which must be passed down to our children. There is a reason for discipline to be a part of a child's rearing; to instill character in their lives; and when we as a people take that tool out of the equation, we are creating a generation of people that will lack respect for themselves, others, and God. It is kind of like this new way for children to play sports; where they are not keeping score, as if there is really no winners or losers; but for what do they train for? It takes the reason to train hard out of the equation; the reason to win. "Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure: but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His Holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, Afterward it yeildeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." (Hebrews 12:9-11)