Do you like it when
someone corrects you? No? Neither do I.
It's painful. It's
humbling (sometimes humiliating).
My pride is
typically responsible for my negative response. I want to think that I measure
up to other folks' standards. I don't want to think that there is any reason at
all for others to look down on me. I have my sinful self-pride, after all.
But, let's admit it.
None of us is perfect. All of us struggle with sin, bad habits, and simple
oversights.
Let's also admit
that we all have blind spots. There are plenty of things in our life that are
messed up ... and we don't even know it. If others don't tell us, we'll
continue to look foolish or may rob God of an opportunity to glorify Him.
So, like it or not,
we need others to periodically correct us.
One more thing: the
Bible tells us who is worthy of correction. No, it's not based on who needs it.
It's based upon who will receive it.
The Bible tells us
that some people shouldn't get corrected because they are beyond help and won't
listen no matter how compassionate and humble the correction. They'll get
angry. They'll cut off relationships and never speak again to the one who
corrected them. They may even seek retaliation.
Proverbs 9:7-8 (New
Living Translation)
"Anyone who
rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked
will get hurt. So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But
correct the wise, and they will love you."
God doesn't tip-toe
around the truth here. It's as clear as crystal. We are either wise or wicked
mockers based upon how we receive correction.
So, which one is it?
And what adjustments might we need to make based upon God's correction?
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