As I mentioned Tuesday, I have been doing some research on a ministry that I formerly supported whole-heartedly. The more information I find, the more I am sure of the way the Holy Spirit is leading me in regards to that ministry. In the midst of all this research, I stumbled across a blog that had the same views about this particular ministry. As I read the information, I found myself agreeing with this person on most of their writings. However, I pulled up some of the blogs they gave their support to in terms of like-mindedness. I have to say upon further inspection, I was shocked and appalled. I am an advocate for free speech, so this was not just a case of disagreement. These “Christian” blogs were tearing other ministries to shreds with hurtful words and heretical allegations. I believe in the importance of correction. I believe that if a ministry is doing something incredulous, they should be held accountable. But I do not see anywhere in the Word that we are to tear ministries to shreds with vague allegations and slander. Again, although I am a propionate to free speech, I have to agree with Paul that while everything is permissible, not everything is profitable.
Correction is a gift from Adonai. Not to be confused with guilt or condemnation, correction bridges a gap in our relationship with our Redeemer. The Word is clear that we, as Christians, have no condemnation when we are in Christ. But correction places us on the narrow path that leads to life. I believe that when we set our eyes on the kingdom, we no longer fear correction. We have been taught in western culture that correction is judgment. I think that is highly erroneous. The Bible says that our Creator disciplines those whom He loves. Even we, as mere mortals, understand this because we discipline those whom we love. Sometimes, I am surprised when my sister tells me that my niece and nephew want to stay at my house. They are always always welcome at Nene’s (my) house, but I do make them behave. Working from home does not afford me they same type of check I had when I worked outside the home, so sometimes they are disappointed when I have to tell them “no” to certain activities we used to treasure. And sometimes, as much as I hate being the bad guy, I have to correct their disobedience. Lately, if look at my nephew or niece and say, “You are being very disrespectful right now,” they will stop their noncompliant behaviors.
I always make it a point to tell them that I love them, and that I want other people to love being around them too. They are starting to understand that when I correct them, it’s not to be mean; rather, I am doing it so others will respect them. I think it’s the same way with our Creator. I think He disciplines (corrects) those whom He loves so we can be a blessing to those around us. As much as we hate to think about it, there is always someone watching us. Our behavior will effect the next generations. When we humble ourselves, and come to our Savior with a contrite heart, we open the door for wisdom and knowledge. That, in turn, earns us respect. When we can have an honest conversation with someone and they can see from our actions that we are genuine, it opens a dialogue that is the essence of ministry.
Correction can hurt. I can’t think of anyone from the deep south that was not, at one time or another, made to “pick” their own “switch”. But, I think we can all agree that the correction we gained from our parents and grandparents (and aunts) made us become better people. It kept us from engaging in some behaviors that were not fruitful for us. In the (exact) same way, when our Heavenly Father disciplines us, it is not to be cruel or incite fear. (I think anyone who knows the Father understands that He is a gentleman.) He disciplines those whom He loves so we can have credit with unbelievers; He disciplines us so we will be found without fault on judgment day; He disciplines us so we will be respected when we go to our brothers and sisters and say, “Hey, what’s going on? Why are you doing this?” Gentle correction is love. As Christians, we will face correction because we are imperfect- every one of us. Next time you want to run from the correction of the Father, remind yourself how you might discipline your own children and how you would want them to react. Correction makes us better people and better children of the Most High.
Prayer:
Holy Father,
Thank You for Your correction. Thank You that You are causing me to be better- moving me from glory to glory- when you discipline me. Thank You Father that Your ways are not our ways. And thank You that we can run to You with our hurts, fears, frustrations and apologies, and You will always be there to help pick up the pieces.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Scripture References:
Proverbs 15:10 (NKJV)
Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates correction will die.
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
Proverbs 6:23 (NKJV)
For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
Proverbs 13:24 (NKJV)
He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.
Hebrews 12:11 (NKJV)
Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV)
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction.
But those who are outside God judges. Therefore put away from yourselves the evil person.
1 Corinthians 14:40 (NKJV)
Let all things be done decently and in order.
1 Timothy 5:20 (NKJV)
Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.
Proverbs 10:17 (NKJV)
He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray.
Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.
Proverbs 22:15 (NKJV)
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.
Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?
This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
Proverbs 12:1 (NKJV)
Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.
Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul.
Proverbs 29:15 (NKJV)
The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NKJV)
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
A wise son heeds his fathers instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV)
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Love LIFE (LoveIsForEver):
Thinking of a particular family member, when we lose someone we love OR when we feel unloved in our own marriage, we can sometimes allow loneliness to creep in. Because I can relate, feeling lonely is one of the most desperate experiences a person can go through. When we are so used to sharing our lives with people we love, we can sometimes forget that we are to value our Father in heaven more than any other love relationship- even over our own life. It is not easy to go from loneliness to joy. From personal experience, I felt sometimes like I had to drag my own body on days when the pain of solitude was overwhelming. But we do serve a God who loves us. The Bible says that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. So I just want to encourage you, if you are struggling with feelings of seclusion, take great joy in knowing that you are loved. The One who divinely knit you together sees your needs and is willing to meet you where you are. Keep in memory the scripture that says though our sorrow may last through the night (or a thousand nights), our JOY comes in the morning!
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