Let me start by saying, “Ouch!” on this one! Okay…now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, we can proceed. As you can see, I’ll be talking about the growing pain of correction. You’ll discover why I call it the growing pain in just a few moments. But without further delay, let’s begin our written chat on “I Stand Corrected.”
No doubt, this is a tough one. Wouldn’t you agree? I mean, who loves to be corrected? Most of us like to be correct, not corrected. However, the reality is that we will make mistakes along the way, and sometimes when we make those mistakes, they happen to be seen by others. Bummer! I know. But that just lets us know all the more that we’re not perfect beings, and that we need a little help along the way. Amen!
Okay, moving along. Have you ever been corrected by someone? If so, how did it feel? Think about it. I would be sure to say, that it didn’t feel too good, right? I’ve been there. Personally, I’ve been corrected on what not to say, wear, do, act, etc. And either way it’s been presented, it wasn’t pleasurable to my flesh. However, over time and due to the Word of God and good Bible teachers, I’ve learned that it was good for me. Actually, a Bible verse that really helped me was Proverbs 12:1 which says, “To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.” (NLT) Yeah, that was pretty real for me.
Yet, this was also love. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:6, “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children.” Now, I know that might be pretty tough to take for some of you reading this, but it’s true. If any of you have children, you know that if you see your child going the wrong way, at some point you are going to have to correct them, and sometimes punish them to help lead them the right way. Most parents would try to do that.
Well, that’s how God is with His children. He’s a good parent. In Hebrews 12:11 and 13, He says, “My child, don’t ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you….as you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Whoever heard of a child who was never disciplined? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children after all.” (NLT)
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Sometimes when we’re corrected about something that we’ve done wrong, it can be a little discouraging; especially if we’re being corrected in front of others. It can be quite embarrassing, even if it’s just between you and the other person. But God is saying, “Don’t be discouraged.” Yet honestly, (before reading this post) how do you handle correction? Do you get angry, sad, quiet, disgusted, have outbursts of anger, lash out at the person, cry, run away, or go into a depressed state where no one can reach you? Or do you thank God for it, while acknowledging your error?
I can almost hear it, “What?! Thank God?” I know that might seem like an oxymoron for some. But my answer would be, “Yes, thank God.” The reason why is because God says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” Believe it or not, but the person who is correcting you is really trying to help you, so you should give thanks. Ouch! Here’s the growing pain that I talked about in the beginning.
Now, you can either grow from it or go around the same mountain again some other time, until you learn the lesson. Personally, at this point in my life, I choose the growing pain. I admit that I don’t always hit the nail on the head every time, but I’m striving for it. Thank God!
Listen sis, I know this one is not easy. Whether it’s coming from a boss, spouse, leadership, parent, friend, me, or God, taking correction is hard. Yet, when you really think about it and work through the whole thing, while renewing your mind with God’s Word, you’ll discover that it really is working out for your good (see Romans 8:28). It’s all a part of His purpose for your life. And even if the person who is correcting you (other than God) is totally wrong; especially if they are your authority…take it anyway. The Lord can make all of that right too if you respond properly (with the fruit of the Spirit…love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, self-control, and humble - see Galations 5:22-23). *God’s Word says, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6). Meaning…humble yourself under God (don’t be prideful), so you may experience His promotion in your life in due season! He’s pretty serious about this.
So the next time you’re in error about something and you’re approached about it, that will be your moment to say, “I stand corrected. Thank You God!” That’s a sign of spiritual maturity. Yes, it may prick your pride, but let it. And yes, you might cry later (been there). But that’s okay too, because you will have passed the test, obeyed God’s Holy Word, and moved another step closer to your destiny. So come on sis! Go through the growing pain of correction. I believe you’ll be glad you did when it’s all said and done…literally. Remember, God loves you!
Also keep in mind that Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s get ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to ask a question or leave a comment. Tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! And don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
I loved this! Thank you sis!
God knows what we need. Thanks for leaving a comment sis!