The other day, a Sunday Morning in this case, our pastor asked the congregation to "raise your hands if you like being disciplined". I immediately raised my hand. But as I looked around, I saw that I was the only one. In fact, one of the ladies behind me said "I don't think you heard the question right. He said 'do you like discipline'." I was overcome with anger. But not self-righteous anger that could have come from being called out. Rather, it was an anger that I esteem comes from my zeal for Christ.
I responded to her sharply, but not harshly "If we never receive any correction, we will never grow." The answer seemed so obvious to me! I know both of those ladies read the Bible and I'm sure have read the Proverbs.
Proverbs 12:1: Whoever loves discipline, loves knowledge. But He who hates correction is stupid. (NIV)
Proverbs 15:32: He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. (NIV)
Proverbs 29:15: The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. (NIV)
Proverbs 15:10: Grievous punishment is for him who forsakes the way; He who hates reproof will die. (NIV)
Finally, from Peter and Paul in Phil. 1:12-30 and 1 Peter 4:12-16. = paraphrased Rejoice in your suffering or consider it a joy when you suffer, for you share the cup of Christ.
This thought has been in my mind for a few weeks now. And it is just bothering the Sheol out of me. (I could ask this question of myself and about many other things) When did the church become a bunch of weenies - tip-toeing around issues and not wanting to grow in wisdom, understanding and in Christ? When did we get so prideful and selfish that it is better for us to build lies about reality, ignore the reality or altogether give up on even caring about it? Shoot.
Friends and family, I telly you this: A) Grow up. B) Get over yourselves (me too!). C) What the heck? and D) Do the body of Christ and yourself a favor and get on board!
As far as a critique on American Christianity, I'd say this heresy has come to us through political correctness. How many of you have heard it said that "the truth hurts"? But, it has become such that us, not wanting to offend anyone have in fact done to each other a worse thing - we've allowed each other to go on in sin.
Be respectful of people and feelings. Know that God provides timing for things to be said. Prayerfully consider approaching someone about an issue first. Speak in truth in love. And if that person gets offended, take an example from Jesus the Christ, Paul the Apostle, Luke the Physician and Barnabas "the Great Encourager" and shake the dust from your feet. Be bold, Christian!
No comments:
Post a Comment