EMBRACE REBUKE

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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Have you ever been corrected by someone that you respect? Have you ever had someone who holds a place of great value in your life, come alongside you and point out some element of your speech or some habitual action that is not fitting for a child of God? How did you react to this correction? Did you receive this wisdom with joy or did you get defensive and lash out?

In our study of the message of the book of Proverbs for today, we are going to hear an assortment of statements that are given to those seeking God’s wisdom. Each of these statements will add something to our understanding of what good can come from being rebuked or corrected by those we trust. 

11 My son, do not despise the LORD’S discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,

12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

(Proverbs 3:11-12 NIV11)

Father

As a loving father disciplines his children, so the Lord disciplines all who bear his name. The discipline of the Lord is given to those who will receive it as a gift. When we embrace the conviction of the Holy Spirit concerning some element of sin in our lives, the Lord works in us to help us move away from this destructive force and into a place of obedience and holiness. 

Resentment

If we have been overly disciplined by our earthly parents, or if we have been treated harshly and unfairly by those in authority over us, we might react defensively to the discipline of God. We might have a hard time believing that the Lord is calling us away from sin and rebellion so that we might avoid more pain down the road. 

Instead of being defensive, the wise child of God needs to embrace the discipline of God. We must see that this correction comes from a place of love. The Lord does not put us to shame when we fail, instead, the Lord draws near to us and helps us see the error of our ways so that we can avoid further pain. 

Surprise Treasure

12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear. 

(Proverbs 25:12 NIV11)

Have you ever stuck your hand into a pair of jeans only to find a twenty dollar bill stuffed in that pocket from the last time you wore them? The feeling of finding money or valuables that you either thought were gone forever, or that you never knew existed is a great way to describe the gift of being corrected by the Lord. 

When the Lord brings someone into your life so that God can use them to help you see yourself more clearly or to see an area of struggle in a way that brings you victory or freedom, this is a great joy. 

When God uses someone you trust to bring his correction, embrace the gift. By listening to the correction, rather than rejecting it because of immaturity and selfishness, you will be spared future pain and sin. 

Good Friend

23 Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.

(Proverbs 28:23 NIV11)

It is always scary to allow the Lord to use you to speak into a friend’s life in such a way that your words can be taken as discipline from the Lord. We ought not take up this role unless we are certain that we know the truth and that this truth is good for the other person. 

If we are sure that we are speaking the truth, then we need to make sure that we are telling this truth in love. This means we speak clearly and without flattery. Tell your friend the truth. If it is from God, they will receive it as it was intended. If it is from between your own ears, then get ready for some fireworks. 

Conclusion

The point here is this, we must be open to the Lord’s loving discipline. It is for our good and for the good of those we love the most in this life. We need to stop getting defensive, and simply listen to the truth being presented by those God has called into this ministry of correction.

I leave you with this:

6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

(1 Corinthians 13:6 NIV11)

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Works at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

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