Growing Pains

 Correction and Conviction. 

     2 words that are just that-words.....til they are used on you. Why is it that when we give out correction or are used by God to convict others, it doesn't sting as much as when you are the one being corrected and convicted?

     I believe the very root of the sin nature that is innate to all mankind stems from pride. It was pride that got Lucifer kicked out of Heaven (Ezekiel 28:17), it was pride ( and a bit of greed) that caused Eve to disobey God and go for that fruit (Genesis 3:6) and it's pride that tries to keep us from hearing loving correction. 

     It's quite easy to blow off a snippy comment from any old body; just chalk it up to rudeness and keep going the way you are going. But make it a convicting word from someone who loves knows you and knows better than you want to know yourself, and we are quick to wall our hearts up and lick our wounds.

Proverbs 15:32

"32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,
but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence."

     Think about it-even though the initial  "slap on the wrist" may hurt our feelings( our pride) in the end it is all for our greater good. If you see a child running into a street with a car coming at them, do you risk hurting their feelings by screaming their name and possibly embarrassing them? ABSOLUTELY!Why? Because you are saving their life and they hopefully will be more intelligent about the situation next time. If the correction is coming from someone you know loves you, put it up against His Word.Seek out for yourself if what they say is true and done in a loving way. If it is, thank them, swallow your pride and take what they've said and grow from it and learn. 

     You just may be a little smarter and more successful in your life because of it.