Genesis 23-24, * Proverbs 12, Matthew 6
–Marcia Railton (IN)
Yesterday we discussed the wisdom found in the idea of “Think Again” – to be willing to question your opinions, thoughts and even feelings in order to bring them more and more inline with God’s way of thinking. We are wise to realize we are not always right and neither are our opinions, thoughts and feelings always right. When our thinking is not lined up with God, our feelings, attitudes and actions will also swerve away from what is pleasing to God.
Sometimes we can adjust our thinking on our own. Sometimes it might take a little help from outside ourselves. Sometimes, we don’t take too kindly to those helpers. Too often, we take offense at hearing we might be wrong. We prefer staying in our comfortable me-ness rather than do the work of honestly and humbly evaluating incoming feedback and doing the work of courageously thinking again. Today in our Proverbs reading there are a couple excellent verses about correction. Proverbs 12:1 starts right out with a powerful punch:
“One who loves discipline loves knowledge,
But one who hates rebuke is stupid.”
When our kids were growing up we did not allow them to use the word ‘stupid’ because it’s just not nice. But, I won’t tell God He can’t use the word. These Proverbs can be hard. Loving discipline is hard. Not hating rebuke is hard.
But they are a tad easier when I remember and accept that I am not right all the time, nor do I do right all the time. And it’s really not a secret or surprise to anyone that I am an imperfect human being. I know that. God knows that. My husband knows that. My kids know that. My church family knows that. My neighbors know that. Even my little daycare friends know that. Marcia messes up. So, do I prefer to stay in my messiness, or do I accept a little help, a little discipline, a little rebuke, knowing I can be better and cleaner for it.
While we are at it, Proverbs 12:15 is another great one.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But a person who listens to advice is wise.
It makes me think of an adorable little one with a very messy face, though they often don’t know it, or care. When I take the warm wet washcloth to the lunch left on their face there can be some loud protest and struggle. They would much prefer I just leave them alone and they would happily smear that goo all over me and my clothes and the couch and on one another. Our messiness never stays on ourself, which is another good reason to attack it, and not the hand with the washcloth.
These verses from Proverbs are great ones to keep in mind and memory and heart, even before someone comes to us with a warm wet washcloth. Correction, advice, rebuke, discipline isn’t to be avoided. It is for our good, even when it rubs a little. It doesn’t have to feel good in order for it to be good. It is to help clean us up. It is to jump-start our Think Again process. No reason to be a stupid fool (God’s words not mine) – just let them help you wash your face. 🙂
Reflection Questions
- Sometimes we neglect looking in the mirror to see our messiness and what needs to be cleaned up. Take some time to humbly and honestly prayerfully consider what a look in the mirror will reveal. What do you see in yourself that is worthy of a washcloth?
- When have you grown from an experience when you accepted correction well and adjusted accordingly? Can you also think of a time you protested and struggled against the wet warm washcloth?
- There are probably times when you will see the opportunity to help someone else with some words of correction or advice. Knowing that there can be some resistance , especially when done harshly, what are some things to keep in mind as the warm wet washcloth holder?
- Today is the first of 3 days reading Matthew 6. What do you find in this chapter that could be useful for thinking again?
PRAYER
Dear Father, Thank you for your wisdom passed on to us through the words of Proverbs. Help me listen well and put them into practice in my life. I do not want to be a stupid fool who is blind to my own messiness and fights against correction. I want to let go of pride so that I can humbly learn from the wisdom and helpful insight of others, even when it hurts a bit, so I can think again, clean up, and grow closer and closer to You and what You want to see in me. In your Son’s name I pray. Amen.
Seek Grow Love 