Brutish Behavior

Whoever loves instruction and correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is like a brute beast, stupid and undiscriminating.

Proverbs 12:1

Whoa!  We are commanded to LOVE instruction and correction.  Can you please raise your hand if you LOVE to be corrected and instructed, especially by your husband or your boss?

I try to read a Proverb a day.  It is amazing how many times it teaches this concept.  {Poverty and shame come to him who refuses instruction and correction, but he who heeds reproof is honored. Proverbs 13:18} 

We will never be perfect until we die and go to be with Jesus.  Until then, we must be open to learning and acting upon correction and rebuke.  It is for our good.

We have mentored a couple who decided they didn't want to meet with us after the first time.  I have met with women who have decided the same thing.  They don't like being corrected or told they are doing anything wrong.  I seriously doubt they will ever have a great marriage.

Those who have listened and acted upon our instruction have all improved their marriage.  Many of them have great marriages.  God's ways work.

I can always learn how to be a better wife.  Every year, I want to be a better wife than the last year.  This takes listening to others, admitting when I am wrong, and deciding to do the right thing with the Spirit working powerfully inside of me.

It means continually renewing my mind with God's Truth and applying it to my life.  We should all be always learning so we can become more and more like Jesus and impact the world around us.  We should not compromise with the world and be content being lukewarm Christians.

We need to hate that which is evil and cling to that which is good.  We need to walk the talk and really love those that God puts into our path.

So next time someone gives you instruction or correction, thank them for it and try changing so you can better more like Jesus instead of acting like a brute beast.  In the process, you will be much happier.  After all, love is not easily offended.

P.S.  This is a picture of my cat...the best cat we have ever had but I couldn't think of a better picture to describe brutish!