“For this command is a lamp, this
teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life …”
(Proverbs 6:23, NIV)
We bristle up when we are
corrected. We get defensive and tune out
the words as incorrect and harsh even if they are spoken sincerely and out of
genuine concern. Correction and reproof
make us uncomfortable even when it comes from those we love. We often began
to question the motives of the messenger as if they are evil and in an instant begin
to tally up the faults of the messenger in our minds, as we block out the possible
factual words in the air between us. It is hard to
listen and we want to flee or change the subject of discussion. Usually we don’t
like any part of this intervention of concern even if it comes from those we
love. Even though most reproofs and correction require brave and honest
introspection and evaluation, we look away when we are being corrected mostly because
it is hard to look at ourselves.
In reality, to be corrected brings
life. If we were traveling on a road
with a dangerous cliff just ahead, won’t it be crucial to obey any signs about
the road being closed and turn around.
If someone who had been on this same road, took time to flag us down and
warn us about the impending perilous cliff … would we not be appreciative. If they suggested a new route and a safer road ... would we not be thankful. Usually doesn’t correction, whether from a
friend or someone that loves us, save us from the pain of our own selfishness
and foolishness? Correction becomes new
life for us when we let the light shine out of it, reflecting on the truth and
possibly guiding us on a new path moving forward.
Still the greatest and most perfect
correcting words and direction come from the work of the Holy Spirit through
the Word of God in our lives. His
concern and conviction is always correct and will always bring new life to our
living. Be humble and thankful when you
are corrected, for it can be new life to all of us.
Suggested Daily Reading ... Proverbs 6
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