How Do You Take Correction?
by Jefferson David Tant
Taking correction is a part of living. It begins when we are children and are rebuked for doing something wrong or for not doing something right, like cleaning up our room. It continues through our teen and adult years. Even Jesus Christ was criticized time and again by his enemies.
Preachers are not immune to criticism from those we serve. A preacher's attitude clearly contributes to the success of his ministry, whether he builds up or tears down. Preachers have been known to drive people away because of their poor attitudes toward criticism. We can look at some instances in the Bible where criticisms or charges were made and note how they were received.
We know of David’s adultery with Bathsheba. In time, Nathan told David about a rich man who stole and cooked his neighbor’s pet lamb. David was incensed at this foul deed and told what should be done to the rich man. “Nathan then said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'It is I who anointed you king over Israel and it is I who delivered you from the hand of Saul” (II Samuel 12:7). Nathan explained the consequences of David’s sin.
And how did the King respond? “Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD’” (II Samuel 12:13). David did not speak in anger against the prophet, nor did he try to shift the blame by pointing at Bathsheba’s poor decision to bathe where she could be seen. We remember when God confronted Adam concerning the eating of the forbidden fruit, Adam pretty much blamed his sin on God. “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate" (Genesis 3:12). It was all God’s fault. If God had not created Eve, then Adam would not have sinned, which seems to be Adam’s reasoning.
I must confess that I do not like correction or rebuke. I’m not particularly eager to take medicine, either. But I know medicine is for my good, so I take it. And the correction is also for my good, and I need to take it in a good spirit. The writer of Hebrews goes to some length to deal with chastening or discipline from the Lord and points out that it is for our good. “For whom the Lord loves he chastens, And scourges every son whom he receives. It is for chastening that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father chastens not?” (Hebrews 12:6-7) Then note Hebrews 12:11: “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”
Proverbs has much to say about receiving correction.
“He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, but he who forsakes reproof goes astray” (Proverbs 10:17).
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid” (Proverbs 12:1).
“Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, but he who regards reproof will be honored” (Proverbs 13:18).
“He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding” (Proverbs 15:31-32).
Those who want to preach should cultivate the spirit of David, whom God described as “a man after My heart” (Acts 13:22). David’s attitude is much preferred over that of Diotrephes, who refused to receive John’s instruction (III John 9-10). I am sorry to say that I have known preachers who seem highly offended if someone offers a correction, even in the right spirit. And their attitude has driven disciples away from the church. If they cause a soul to be lost, God will hold them accountable for his soul and their own souls.
