Chastening

S ~  But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Hebrews 12:8

O ~ Clearly chastening happens to sons. If chastening is not happening, you are not yet a true son, but rather someone who is just looking for the benefits of family, without the requirements of family. Father's chasten (discipline) their sons for a time.

A ~ I wonder if there is a time when a child of God becomes mature enough to not require discipline. It must be if the chastening has produced good fruit and served its purpose, it is no longer required. Bumpers in bowling alleys are only needed until skill is improved. Chastening is needed to keep you on the path, but when you can stay on the path, chastening is no needed. It is like Autoopia in Disneyland - an undercarriage guide that won't let you go off the road.

P ~ Lord, please chasten me where I need it, and help me accept it - that I might not need it anymore.