Daily Scripture Threshing for Saturday, October 12, 2024
Today’s Text: Proverbs 3:5-12
Key Verse: Proverbs 3:11 (ESV): "My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline
or be weary of his reproof."
Modern trends and challenges are radically shifting the way reproof is perceived, received and practiced today. We are all victims of cultural influences. Western individualism and self-reliance are making Christians grow resistant to correction. We continue to place overemphasis on personal feelings that leads most of us to defensiveness, avoidance, and sour attitudes toward reproof. The logical result? Broken hearts, lupside relationships, loss of harmony, and peace. It even more unfortunate that we have modernized biblical idea of grace as if it were a negation or removal of discipline. We'd rather prioritize our self-esteem over humility; personal freedom, over accountability; and sensuality over constructive criticism.
But, looking at the Scripture before us, God wants us to view reproof differently. As sons (generic) of God, our faith's core teachings and biblical perspectives is never to despise chatening or reproof. The textual opening with, "my son," draws our attention to the truth and assurance that all disciplines are the fruit of fatherly love. Indeed a child's attitude to fatherly reproof is a sharp test of his/her childlike spirit; and how much they are intended for their own good, deepening their peace, solving the mystery of their loss, and bringing light in their darkness.
Yes! Reproof comes from God's love, not anger. It guides believers toward righteousness and maturity. It is always aimed at correcting, not condemning us. God always gives more grace to a believer who walks in humility, who recognizes his or her sinfulness and limitations. Therefore, let us see God's and others' reproof as an opportunity for restoration, growth and improvement. As Christians, let us restore and reclaim the biblical perspective on reproof. Let us be more open to correction. Let us see it as a catalyst for growth, and deeper intimacy with God.
Action Steps: Recognize God's love in discipline and reproof. Humble yourself and acknowledge your limitations and sinfulness. Seek wisdom and guidance from spirituals. Surround yourself with people who speak truth. Be grateful for correction and guidance.
Quote for the Day: "God's reproof is never a resentment; it it refinement. (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote).
Prayer: Dear Lord, please grant me a heart receptive to reproof, that I may grow in Your love, wisdom and righteousness. Revive Your church's commitment to biblical reproof, that we may grow in humility, wisdom and righteousness. Please surround me with accountability partners that speak truth; and help me to respond gratefully to Your correction, knowing that it refines me — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.
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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Hebrews 12:5-11; Psalm 119:71-72; Proverbs 9:8-9; and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please, write or visit: The Darling Bishop, 2321 S Beltline Rd Suite ĺl144 Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA.
You can be a part of this great and free course through a one-time or recurring donation. To give through Zelle, using +14073608280 or CashApp: $SimonOlatunji. Thanks and God bless you. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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