Receiving Rebuke - August 8 Readings: Ezra 3-4, Acts 28:17–31, Romans 1:1–7, Psalm 91:7–16, Proverbs 19:25–27

Links to August 8 Readings: Ezra 3-4, Acts 28:17–31, Psalm 91:7–16, Proverbs 19:25–27

Because we are sinners we cannot simply "be who we are." God's work in us is not simply to affirm us in our sin, but to transform us, to change us. One of the marks of wise men and women, those who love God and want to walk in his ways, is that they listen to rebuke and correction from others, but also from God.

Proverbs 19:25 differentiates between those who are foolish and wise.

Strike a mocker, and the inexperienced learn a lesson;rebuke the discerning, and he gains knowledge. 

First come the mockers, those who spurn God's ways in rebellion, ridicule the idea of obedience and seek their own way instead of God's. They refuse to learn, refuse to listen. The only benefit in punishing such a fool is because it can provide a lesson for someone else. The mocker will not be swayed by anything.

But the discerning, those who walk in God's wisdom, listen to rebuke and correction, from God's word and from those who know God's word.

No one likes to be rebuked or corrected - it irritates and aggravates our sinful nature. But it is the key to living life God's way and becoming what Christ wants us to be. We must not only receive the correction and guidance of God's word, but also of God's people.

One cannot walk with Christ while playing the mocker!

Father, humble me to receive not only the correction of your Spirit, but also the wisdom of other believers.