Board of Education

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it is painful!" Hebrews 12: 11 NLT

Within us is the ability to get off the beaten track. During those times God tries to get our attention. He whispers and waits - no answer. He screams, "Look out!" – no answer. Heading towards us is a speeding car full of sin. If we don’t stop and listen, the sin knocks us out of God’s fellowship. Sometimes in life, the only way to get our attention is a kick in the pants. Pain gets our attention. The one thing about correction is this: it hurts. We all remember from our childhood the many encounters with the board of education upon the seat of knowledge. Correction is necessary for maturity. Without God’s intervention, we harm the ones we love. Some of us remember not to touch a red-hot stove burner because it burns.

Don’t misunderstand me, correction is not evil. Afterwards we understand that our rude and rebellious behavior is unacceptable. God also uses difficult circumstances to grab our attention. During painful situations, there are two things to consider. Firstly, is God correcting an out of control action or attitude? Search the scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Secondly, God is testing your faith. Tests bring out the best and worst in us all.

Pride is revealed through criticism. There is nothing worst than pride to attract God’s corrective attention. God hates all pride. However, God loves humility. If we accept constructive criticism, we grow in spiritual maturity.

God’s purpose for our correction is the character of Christ. If God allows pride and rebellious actions to continue in our lives, Christ is shamed. We train our dogs and cats to obey us. Wild horses undergo corrective behavior in order to run in races. So, why is it wrong for God to correct our actions with pain?

What is God trying to tell you through your difficult circumstances? Are you available for His corrective work during this week? If so, prepare yourself for some corrective work from the Holy Spirit.