How Do You Receive Correction?

The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me but always evil. He is Micaiah, son of Imla.”  – 2 Chronicles 18:7

I work with young, single men to help them grow up and mature, to learn how to make wise decisions and break free from generational family problems. The irresponsible behavior due to faulty thinking must be exposed and replaced. These men need loving correction, guidance, encouragement, and hope. I do my best to be their friend and be open about my own failures. My desire is to win their trust, as well as strengthening their faith in God and His Word.

There are various responses to this mentoring. Some are eager to learn and change. They all have their fears that they must face. Some will argue or have excuses why they can’t take steps of faith in the Lord to change and break free. Their family dysfunction can make it hard for them to gain freedom.

Ahab, the king of Israel, was such a man who rejected correction. He resisted the counsel of the prophet Micaiah because he never told him what he wanted to hear. Ahab simply wanted a “yes man” to go along with his schemes. He did not want to hear the truth.

Are you like Ahab, or is your heart tender and open to loving correction and wise counsel? Do you reject the truth and disavow the messenger because he or she doesn’t tell you what you want to hear? Are you open to the Spirit of God in others who care enough to challenge your thinking?