(Prov. 6:23)
A key to maintaining a good attitude is being big enough to be rebuked and corrected. We will be reproved and corrected in life, because we are human and make mistakes. If you want to mature, you must be teachable.
Proverbs 9:8–9 says, “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning” (emphasis added).
If you are one who is going to rebuke, then be wise enough to instruct and teach as well. I have seen people who felt called to “rebuke,” but they didn’t take the time to teach or instruct. That kind of rebuke amounts to criticism, which wounds and results in nothing but strife. God never assigned anyone to break another person’s spirit. If the correction is abusive, then take it before the Lord and pray for wisdom in how to handle it. If it continues, then sit down honestly and openly with your leader and share with him how this has hurt and offended you. God sees the heart of you both. Do whatever is necessary to keep your heart pure. We are always to rebuke with meekness and love and take the time to teach people what they have done wrong and how to do it correctly.
On the other hand, if you are the one being rebuked, do not get your feelings hurt. Be big enough to take it and go on without holding a grudge and being defensive. It is very clear from the Word of God that a wise man will listen to correction and judge himself. (Prov. 13:1.) A fool despises any instruction.
I must admit that I have met some fools in my life. They would not take any correction. Their shortcomings and problems were always someone else’s fault. They were always right. What do you do with people like that? You stay away from them. They will never fulfill God’s will, because they will not admit mistakes.
We are told in the Bible to judge ourselves and make corrections when we need to change. If you refuse to judge yourself, you will face judgment on the sin you are in.
I believe it is very important today to have people around us to whom we are accountable, people who can speak into our lives. That is why the Bible says to submit to God-called leadership, so they can help us if we begin to miss it. We cannot afford to miss the will of God in our lives.
Stay humble before the Lord, and when you are corrected or rebuked, receive it and learn from it. Then you will grow into the place God intends for you to be. There is no growth without some pruning. God wants lasting fruit to come forth in your life. (John 15:16.)
- Evaluate how well you take rebuke and correction.
- Judge yourself to see if there is any sin in your life. If there is, repent, receive forgiveness, and make the necessary changes.
- The following are some verses for additional study:
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise” (Prov. 12:15).“He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding” (Prov. 15:32).
“Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge” (Prov. 19:25).
Heavenly Father, no one likes correction, but only fools refuse it. I choose to submit to godly correction and rebuke. Help me to judge myself so that correction won’t be necessary, but if I overlook something and require a rebuke, help me to receive it humbly and to make the changes needed. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.