Proverbs 15:5 NKJV – ‘A fool despises his father’s instruction, but he who receives correction is prudent.’
Proverbs 15:10 NKJV – ‘Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way and he who hates correction will die.’
A prudent Christian is able to discipline themselves through the use of divine wisdom which is revealed by God through His word. The Lord may reveal this wisdom during our own personal time with Him or through a brother or sister in Christ. However this wisdom finds us, we ought to be grateful for it.
Correction often feels uncomfortable because many see it as an attack to their identities in Christ. We label ourselves as “bad Christians” and suddenly feel defeated and/or discouraged. That is not the prudent response to correction.
The prudent see correction as a light that illuminates the dark areas of their heart. It is an opportunity to grow in their walk with Christ and become a more accurate representation of Him on earth. The prudent do not ignore or run from God’s correction. Instead, they enter God’s presence daily with a heart that is eager to learn and grow because no matter how uncomfortable the refinement process may be, they know the result is priceless.
PRAYER: God please change my attitude towards correction and discipline. Sometimes, it makes me feel like a failure, but the truth is it’s an opportunity for me to be more like you. It’s not an attack on me. You discipline the ones you love because you want them to be better not because you are singling them out as failures. Help me to see it as such in my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.