PROVERBS 3:11-12
This is the final small snippet of Proverbs 3 that I plan to share. Proverbs 3:11-12 says, "My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of His correction. For whom the LORD loveth He correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." In verse 11 there is a clear implication that God chastens those who are His. Hebrews 12:5-6 quotes both verses and expands the idea of the relationship between God and those who are saved. "And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.” The word translated as chastening has the sense of ‘discipline,’ ‘instruction,’ or ‘correction.’ There remains an ever-present need in the life of every Christian for God to discipline and correct us. As we well know, children at times may rebel at the discipline of their parents. That rebellion is foolish, and there is even a more dangerous scenario when, as believers, we resist the correction which God brings into our lives.
Verse 12 speaks concerning the motivation of God’s correction in our lives. It is His great love wherewith He loves us. The first time my father spanked me, he said, "Son, this is going to hurt me, more than it hurts you." I couldn't understand that statement at the time, but as a father and grandfather today, I understand very well. God doesn't delight in chastening His children, but He loves us so much that He does. Realize that God delights in all His children, and when He corrects us, He is doing so for our own good and His glory. Fools resist such correction. A wise son will receive it. The application is true not only for earthly fathers but ultimately of our heavenly Father.
My goal is to be Christlike, and I fall short of that on a daily basis, but it doesn't change my spiritual ambition. I am going to continue to pray and strive to become more like Jesus every day. His correction is part of that process.
May the Lord bless you as you accept His correction, when it is time for Him to instruct, discipline, and/or correct you.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATION
1. Do you acknowledge that as a believer you aren’t perfect?
2. What does your imperfection promise from God in relation to your imperfection?
3. Why do you think God disciplines His children?