Tuesday Thought -- July 10, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you.  But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have.  For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.  What do you prefer?  Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?” (1 Corinthians 4:18-21)

The Corinthians had a choice.  Paul was willing to come to them with harsh discipline (characterized by a whip), if that was what was required to get their attention.  On the other hand, he was willing to come with loving and gentle correction if they were willing to listen to that.  There was much in the Corinthian church that needed to be corrected, as evidenced by the things Paul wrote in his letters.  And God would provide the correction.  It was the Corinthians’ option as to how painful that correction would be!

The same is true for us.  All of us need correction throughout our lives.  It is a part of the growth process.  It is a part of being human and dealing with the innate tendency toward sinfulness.  It is God’s desire to see us grow.  In fact, He promised that He will complete the growth work that He has begun in us.

In fact, if the Lord does not correct and discipline us, there is something wrong with our relationship with Him.  The Hebrew writer declared, “The Lord disciplines those he loves.” (Hebrews 12:6)

The choice of what kind of correction we receive and how painful it is for us, is up to us.  God is willing to come with the most gentle and loving correction, if we are willing to listen to it.  And, if necessary, He is willing and able to come with the harsh discipline of the whip.

The choice is ours, just like it was for the Corinthians.

His, by Grace,

Steve