Responding to Reproof

“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.” Proverbs 15:10

Reading the above verse this morning reminded me of a conversation I just had yesterday. We were talking about those messages preached by our pastor – as well as visiting preachers – that have been especially convicting. This lady’s attitude was “Step on my toes…I need it!”  I wholeheartedly agreed with her as I admitted that my heart is so “prone to wander”.  My, how we need more preachers who will unashamedly preach the Word!

But, the above verse is a very clear reminder that not everyone desires that kind of preaching. A simple thought this morning –

What is our attitude when being corrected? How do we respond to “hard preaching”? When a preacher gets up and, from the Word of God, rebukes specific sins in our lives, how do we react? Oh my…if our response is not one of gratefulness for a man of God who loves us enough to tell us the truth, that is a clear sign that we have forsaken the way. If this describes you this morning, won’t you humble yourself, repent and come back to God? He is waiting.

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:8-10