Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Prov. 15:31–32
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. Prov. 12:1
Lord Jesus, scanning through my old NIV recently, I noticed how many verses about staying teachable, receiving correction, and loving discipline I’ve underlined over the course of the years. I wish the sheer number of highlighted verses was indicative of how humble and non-defensive I am. But that’s simply not the case.
Jesus, help me anticipate and welcome feedback—whether it’s about my attitude, excesses, mistakes, or offenses. Help me hear your voice in things my spouse, kids, and co-workers may want to share with me, but fear my reaction.
Help me be a chief-repenter among my best friends and gospel-posse, so growing in grace will be just as important to us as having fun and enjoying each other. Don’t let me ignore concerns and corrections from mentors, “underlings,” neighbors, even the “angels-unaware” you send my way.
I don’t want to read the Bible; I want the Bible to read me—exposing the many ways I’m not like you, Jesus, and revealing more and more and more of the riches of the gospel. You resist the proud, but give grace to the humble; and I want all the grace you’ll give me!
It’s because you made yourself of no reputation, becoming sin for us on the cross, that we don’t have to live for our reputation or the approval of people. Because we’re no longer guilty or condemned for our sin, we can live in the freedom of convict-ability, teachability, and humility. Help me, Jesus, free me. So very Amen I pray, in your merciful and mighty name.
