Criticism. Correction. Rebuke.
Most of us don’t naturally welcome them.
Even when instruction is given lovingly—or is exactly what we need—our first reaction is often defensiveness, self-justification, hurt, or even anger. Why? Because correction confronts something deep within all of us: pride.
But what if God is using even difficult people, uncomfortable conversations, or unfair criticism as tools to shape our hearts and grow us spiritually?
Today’s readings challenge us to examine whether we truly have a teachable spirit. Do we humbly receive wisdom and instruction, or do we resist correction because we think too highly of ourselves? Scripture says that rejecting wise rebuke is actually harming our own souls, while humility opens the door to wisdom, understanding, and maturity.
We’ll also see that even David—a man after God’s own heart—still struggled at times to trust the Lord fully, resorting instead to his own plans and schemes. Yet through both failure and correction, God continued His sovereign work in David’s life.
And finally, we’ll be reminded of a beautiful prayer every believer should pray: that God would open our eyes to understand His Word and set our hearts ablaze with His truth.
Because a humble, teachable heart is fertile ground for spiritual growth.
When our kids were growing up, we would correct them when they called one another stupid. You probably do the same thing. So, I was surprised to find out that God calls us stupid when we act a certain way. That’s a pretty harsh criticism when you realize the word translated as “stupid” comes from a word meaning “to graze.” One who acts this way is like an ignorant animal, as the old saying goes, “as dumb as an ox.” So, what is it we do that would cause God to call us “stupid”? And what does it have to do with what the cross says about us? Check out today’s post to find out.
The world is full of people who are caught in patterns of sin, who are without hope, who have been hurt or disappointed by others, or who are spiritually deluded. Many of them are our co-workers, our friends and neighbors, and others God has placed in our lives. How can we make a difference in their lives? Our New Testament passage shows us four ways.
We’ll also look at how so many today call evil good and good evil. Many things that are advocated would have seemed impossible 10 years ago. It makes us wonder how people can be so blinded to the truth. But it’s not just unbelievers who can become deluded. How can we avoid spiritual delusion in our own lives?
And finally, read about overcoming evil and the only One who is “hope-worthy.”
Would you be willing to admonish, rebuke, or warn a friend who is caught up in a sinful lifestyle even though speaking up when God’s standards are at stake is more costly than ever? When is it right, even necessary, for a believer in Christ to do so?
Also, when it comes to politics and civic responsibility, how should a clear understanding of God’s sovereignty and His righteous standards dictate how we vote and pray for our leaders?
Today (among other things), we’ll talk about something that can be one of the greatest challenges: responding well to criticism. But how we respond reveals things about us that God wants us to see. So, how can we respond in ways that allow us to benefit from even the most unfair criticism? And on the other hand, are there ways of responding that can result in God’s discipline?
