How should we respond to godly correction in our own lives today? Setting the Scene “Then Asa was angry with the seer and put him in prison, because he was enraged at him over this. And Asa oppressed some of the people at that time.” (2 Chronicles 16:10) • Hanani the seer confronted King Asa for placing his trust in Ben-hadad of Aram instead of in the LORD. • Rather than repent, Asa silenced the messenger and mistreated the people. • Asa’s reaction stands as a cautionary tale: godly correction exposes the heart’s posture toward God. King Asa’s Misstep What went wrong in Asa’s response? • Pride: He valued his own reputation and autonomy over obedience (cf. Proverbs 16:18). • Anger at truth: “Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you” (Proverbs 9:8). Asa exemplified the mocker. • Misuse of power: Instead of submitting, he imprisoned Hanani and oppressed others, compounding his sin. Lessons on Receiving Correction Today Scripture paints a contrasting picture of how the wise respond: • Receive it gratefully – “Let a righteous man strike me—it is an act of loving devotion” (Psalm 141:5). • Examine ourselves – “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23). • Repent quickly – “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:19). • Grow through it – “No discipline seems pleasant at the time… Later on it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11). Practical Steps Toward a Teachable Spirit 1. Pause before reacting • “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.” (James 1:19) 2. Pray for clarity • Ask the Spirit to confirm whether the correction aligns with Scripture. 3. Compare with God’s Word • The Bible is the unchanging standard; measure the rebuke against it (Acts 17:11). 4. Humble yourself • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5) 5. Implement change • True repentance bears fruit (Matthew 3:8). 6. Express gratitude • Thank those God uses to refine you; they serve your eternal good (Proverbs 27:6). Encouraging Promises for the Corrected Heart • God’s discipline proves sonship: “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves.” (Hebrews 12:6) • Restoration follows repentance: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9) • The humble gain wisdom: “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” (Psalm 25:9) |
    |