Taking Blows

Fragile. Thin-skinned. Does it increasingly seem that we live in an age when many Christians cannot take criticism or rebuke of any sort without getting defensive and angry? Try confronting a believer over sin and see how that goes. Observe someone’s attitude or comment on questionable conduct, and be prepared to be attacked or shunned. Myles Munroe wrote in Waiting and Dating, “Being open to correction means making ourselves vulnerable, and many people are not willing to do that.”

Paul shared with Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16,17). Notice that two purposes of Scripture involve rebuking and correcting. Why?  Because both of these purposes are necessary for making us godlier, more Christ-like. 
 
Meditation
Psalm 141:5--Let the righteous one strike me—it is an act of faithful love; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. Even now my prayer is against the evil acts of the wicked.
 
Israelmore Ayivor observed in Become a Better You, “You can’t accept correction when you are not humble to listen.” I don’t enjoy being corrected. But when someone makes an effort to exhort, I am learning to listen to learn and apply instead of listening to defend or argue. It takes courage for someone to point out an error or perceived wrongdoing in another believer’s life. When there is no hidden agenda, and the motive to rebuke comes from a place of love, we are blessed (yes, blessed!) to be admonished. If we can see correction as a gift instead of an attack, we are headed toward maturity, humility, and a teachable spirit.

And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly or faint when you are reproved by Him, for the Lord disciplines the one He loves and punishes every son He receives . . . No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:5b,6,11)
           
Solomon noted, “It is better to listen to rebuke from a wise person than to listen to the song of fools.” So, are you willing to take the blow?  Buckle up. Take the figurative strike and be better for it . . . something to think about . . . in reveration!

Inspiration
“Rebuke without love is abuse. But, a love that would never rebuke? I dare to admit that that, too, would be a kind of abuse.”―Criss Jami in Healology
 
©2023 Daniel York ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  To receive these devotionals, go to www.firstcause.org and click the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.     
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)