OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS CORRECTION reveals our own spiritual state. A son will receive correction; an illegitimate child will not, but is rebellious and cantankerous at rebuke.
“And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 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? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.
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 12:5-11
If we desire to please our Lord and desire holiness in our life, we will welcome rebuke that convicts us of anything contrary to God’s Word. “Let the righteous man smite and correct me–it is a kindness. Oil so choice let not my head refuse or discourage; for even in their evils or calamities shall my prayer continue.” (Psalm 141:5)
David said that correction is like anointing oil, it brings with it a beautiful blessing of righteousness. When a man/woman cries out against sin and compromise in the church, they should be supported, not rejected and scoffed at. Your attitude towards these servants of God reveals your own sinful heart. Here’s a record of what’s being played out in today’s church, “Don’t judge”, “that’s not loving”, “you are not God”, “I know the Bible”, “God does not do that.”
And the ear-tickling list goes on. If you do not receive correction, you are not a son, but are illegitimate. God disciplines and corrects His children and He most often uses others to correct us. I had a teacher say that you will know if you are someone’s pastor when you have to pastor them. Sheep obey. Goats do not. And lest we forgot, dogs and pigs are outside the kingdom. How you respond to the Word of God preached, or when you are rebuked personally reveals your character.
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” Rev 3:19
The question is will you receive it? Or will you reject it? God has a path of restoration, but many run from it because they love their sin and selfishness and refuse to believe they have done anything wrong. The Lord forgives sin, not excuses. Take correction like a man and it will bring forth a finer vessel for His glory and honor.
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
