‘…They did not respond to correction…’ Jeremiah 2:30 NIV
How do you respond to correction? By taking offence? By interpreting it as rejection? By getting defensive? By shooting the bearer of bad news and making sure they never get to you again? By keeping score and saying, ‘In comparison to what I’ve accomplished in life, you’ve done nothing’? By giving in to self–pity and thinking how hard your life is because people don’t understand or appreciate you? We need people who’ll be honest with us. Why? Because we’re too easily blinded by our egos! When God sends somebody to correct you, it’s because He wants what’s best for you. His willingness to correct you actually demonstrates how much He cares for you. ‘If you are not disciplined…you are illegitimate children and not true sons…’ (Hebrews 12:8 NIV) So check your spiritual birth certificate! People who are open to correction generally exhibit these four qualities: (1) Vulnerability. When they’re wrong they’re capable of admitting it—even before they’re confronted. (2) Teachability. They’re willing to hear, quick to learn, and always open to counsel. (3) Availability. They don’t try to avoid you. (4) Honesty. They are committed to the truth, regardless of how much it hurts. You say, ‘That’s a high standard.’ You’re right! It’s a standard pride resists and fragile egos run from. There’s something in each of us that would rather look good than be good. So when God sends people into your life who love you enough to be straight with you—be open to them. Your personal growth and success depend on it.
SoulFood: Jer 18-21, Luke 22:54-62, Ps 6, Prov 8:32-33
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2015
