Causes For Correction

 

Causes For Correction (By Gary Patterson) 

  As I have been watching the news, since our president has taken office; he has set in motion a lot of executive orders, to make corrections in our country. We may agree with some of these orders, and some we may not. Two things are evident: 1. There is much that needs to be corrected in our nation. 2. It is going to take time. Some feel, that the president is moving too fast, and trying to accomplish a lot, in a short time. Our prayer is that God will help him, and us as American citizens, to do the right things, and make those corrections that are so needed in America! 

 Think of a gardener tending to his/her plants. Sometimes pruning is necessary for the plant to flourish. Similarly, God through various means, helps us prune away things in our lives that hinder our relationship with Him and others. 

 Here are some key themes, and Bible verses that speak to this. 

Correction Is An Act of Love and Discipline. 

Hebrews 12:5-6 says: "And have you forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as 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 He scourges every son whom He receives." This passage clearly frames correction as an act of love from a Father who cares deeply for His children. It's not meant to harm us, but to help us grow. 

The Importance of Humility and Teach-ability 

Proverbs 12:1 says:"Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid." Both the love for learning, and the willingness to accept correction go together. And to resist is very foolish. 

The Role of Scripture In Correction 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correction and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." This is a powerful Scripture that highlights the Bible's vital role in identifying areas in our lives that need correction and to guide us towards righteousness. 

Benjamin Spock led the way among child rearing professionals in instructing parents not to discipline their children. He said that doing so would damage children’s ego. Later in his life he realized that he had made a mistake and said: “We have reared a generation of brats. Parents aren’t firm enough with their children for fear of losing their love or incurring their resentment. This is a cruel deprivation that we professionals have imposed on mothers and fathers. Of course, we did it with the best of intentions. We didn’t realize until it was too late how our know-it-all attitude was undermining the self assurance of parents.” 

I am thankful for the discipline, and correction of my parents, and most of all by the Lord. I know that at times I still need the discipline from the Lord. I would rather have Him discipline me and show me the right course for my life, than for Him to let me go down a path that is both destructive, and devastating. 

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