THE PATH TO HONOR
PROVERBS 13:18
PROVERBS 13:18 NKJ
18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction,
But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.
OBSERVATION:
If you listened to or read yesterday's devotional, you may be thinking that I am mad at someone. But that is not the case. Two verses about correction does mean there is a theme here that the Lord has impressed on my heart. And it's not just for those who follow these devotionals; it's for me also.
Our walk with the Lord is one where we are making constant corrections. We will never reach the place where we are above correction from the Lord.
The good news is that His correction will place us in the right direction if we regard it. In other words, correction can come, but only correction received will make a difference in our lives.
Poverty and shame are two things most of us want to avoid at all costs. But they come to those who disdain or ignore correction.
Over 30 years ago, I moved my family across the country to start a church. I would not seek counsel from my pastor at that time, even though Joy asked me to. Frankly, I did not want to hear what he had to say. Joy even had a bad dream about our going, but I was not willing to listen. The result was a failed attempt at a church and a hard 18 months. Poverty and shame literally came my way.
It took me receiving correction for us to come out of that difficult time. But after dealing with the poverty and shame, I was very much inclined to listen.
We all love honor. We do not love a rebuke. But if we will swallow our pride and hear the rebuke, it will put us on the path to honor.
So, the next time we were preparing to plant a church, I asked John Osteen my pastor if I could come and visit with him. My heart was in a different place, and I was prepared for correction. But he encouraged me and gave me his blessing.
Don't shy away or ignore correction when it comes. God is trying to help you, not hurt you. He wants you on the path to honor.
PRAYER:
Thank you, Lord, for Your correction. You are not trying to put me down but rather lift me up. You are the best and want the best for me.