Endure Correction

Hebrews 12:7-11 (Amplified Bible) 7) You must submit to and endure [correction] for discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom his father does not [thus] train and correct and iscipline? 8) Now if you are exempt from correction and left without discipline in which all [of God's children] share, then you are illegitimate offspring and not true sons [at all]. 9) Moreover, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we yielded [to them] and respected [them for training us]. Shall we not much more cheerfully submit to the Father of spirits and so [truly] live? 10) For [our earthly fathers] disciplined us for only a short period of time and chastised us as seemed proper and good to them; but He disciplines us for our certain good, that we may become sharers in His own holiness. 11) For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness--in conformity to God's will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God].

None of us enjoy correction, discipline or rebuke, but it is necessary in order to mature. Too many of us adults have not matured, thus becoming spiritual dwarfs while we think ourselves to be spiritual giants. The test for our spiritual maturity is how well we handle and endure adverse conditions and corrective exhortations from God and from those he uses to speak into our lives. Being spiritually mature is not about how much we know, but rather how much of what we know we actually apply and use to transform our lives.

Refuse to get discouraged when you are being corrected and rid yourself of the pride that will prevent it. Just like a great aircraft has to be redesigned over and over until it becomes flight worthy, we too must undergo scrutiny on a constant basis if we are to mature into vessels of honor.
Sadly, some live their whole lives without the courage necessary to face the music and examine their lives. The longer we refuse the process the longer we withhold from those around us the diamond that lies within us. Enduring correction is vital if we are to live effective lives.

Humility and willingness are the keys to growth. Just like a child who hates correction, so often do we do everything we can to avoid it. But just like all children, our need for it is great if we are to become strong people of purpose and destiny.

Remember, God is not responsible for the sufferings that hostile sinners bring upon us, but just like a good father, God will use adverse circumstances as a means to accomplish his purpose and develop the character we need as his representatives on the earth.

Believers should not only endure God’s discipline, but they should be readily available for it as a means of bearing more fruit for him. Growing is a painful process for sure, but let us commit to endure the process and reap the harvest of a victorious life that’s worthy of living!

Enduring along side all of my friends,

Zoro