Correctable to the end
There’s a device Satan uses and unless one is on guard and watching out it is very easy to be snared by it. This device is an emotionally-driven response which, left unchecked, can lead us down a dangerous path.
What’s the device I’m speaking of? It’s the resistance to receiving, accepting, and learning from correction. This is a common characteristic found in immature people. A person who is simply unwilling to allow themselves to be corrected has really halted their own personal growth. They have stifled their ability to expand their capacity. They have forfeited their golden opportunity to enjoy the blessings that come from course correction – a very critical aspect to staying steadfast to God, His laws and His ways. The person who resists receiving correction, no matter how it is given or where it might come from, will eventually go astray (Proverbs 10:17). The scriptures say that “whoever hates correction will die” (Proverbs 15:10). So the negative consequences of not being teachable are great.
Jeremiah said that ancient Israel was a nation that did not obey God “nor did they receive correction” (Jeremiah 7:28). Modern day Israel is no different. America and Britain, as well as the other Israelite descended nations, are filled with people who refuse to listen to authority, disdain correction, and who are unwilling to allow God to exert ruler-ship in their lives. They want God to stay out of their business. Mankind today is teeming with super-sensitive individuals unable to hear criticism about their behavior, even when it is rude or unthoughtful when they should receive the intent of the correcting message – regardless of the manner in which it is delivered, and internalize the positive aspects of the lesson learned, and then simply move forward.
As Christians, we must be willing to surrender our will to the will of God. He is the one who created us. He understands what it will take for each of us to enter into His Kingdom. He knows our frame and will not allow us to perish without His intervening and correcting us. God will not be at fault for our failure, should we fail, so He will correct. With God’s help we won’t fail, but we have to be open to this process. He wants us to succeed and be victorious, but He also wants us to understand the importance that government plays in our Christian growth. He will not allow any little Satan’s to enter into His Family through a resurrection to immortal life on the God-plane of existence. He will correct us and He will do it with love, but if we resist, He will step up His efforts.We know from Hebrews 10:31 that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
We must recognize that our lives are not our own (1 Corinthians 6:16). Therefore, we should be willing to do whatever God wants us to do, and accept gladly whatever correction God may bless us with. We know that God corrects and chastens those whom He loves and receives (Hebrews 12:6). Do you want to be loved and received by God? Be able to take correction gladly, with humility and with a tender heart. This is growing in grace and knowledge as we are admonished to do in 2 Peter 3:18.
What is one effective outlet God uses to correct us? Through the scriptures, the Holy Bible (2 Timothy 3:16). Scripture was given for our reproof and correction. When we read the Bible we should ask for correction before we begin reading and be open to the discipline of our loving Father. “For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life…” (Proverbs 6:23). The way of life for a Christian is that of receiving correction.
Whether we hear, accept, apply, and reap blessings is up to us. The alternative – hear, reject, miss out, and suffer the negative consequences of a life lived selfishly. The choice is entirely up to each of us. Let us be open and willing to receive correction, no matter where it comes from, and in so doing, let us reap the benefits of a truly teachable attitude – something that God is well pleased with. The meek will inherit earth (Matthew 5:5) and rule with Christ in His kingdom to be set up on the earth in just a few short years. Let us strive to remain correctable to the end – nothing less will do.
