The Right Path

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
THE RIGHT PATH
Prov 10:17
17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
NIV
In order for me to heed discipline, I think there is quite a bit of thought within the word heed. What does it mean to heed? It is so easy to just say it, but I think in order for me to heed this discipline I first must be willing to hear this discipline. I cannot close off my ears and refuse to listen. I also after hearing it must give it full consideration within my heart. It is true that I am in need of this discipline? Have I gone wrong? Have I spoken or acted in a way that is unpleasing to God? Then after coming to the realization of the truth, I need to act in accordance with the discipline or correction and make the necessary changes within my own self, then I can show others the way to life. But if I refuse or ignore this correction, and continue to act in a manner which is unpleasing to God I certainly am not going to be able to lead others to the way of life, but rather I would be leading them astray. I think this discipline comes from the word of God, either through revelation from the Holy Spirit directly to me, or through the preaching of his word by a shepherd. I also am not discounting that God speaks directly into my being, words of correction, which also always agree with what he has already spoken and has been recorded. My task is to always remain open to hearing from him. That is the difficult part. Sure I desire to do the right thing, and listen for his still small voice, but somehow I am not always at my best. There are times I think my “self” gets in the way of hearing. There are those times I just do it my way and I know that is not a good thing, maybe because I know I am in error, I am actually hearing from God. I suppose if I truly refused to hear, to listen I would not even be aware I am in error and I would be bolding leading others on a way no man dares to go. If I refused to listen I would believe I was right but in reality I would lead others to be wrong. So I am glad I listen, I am happy to know God still loves me enough to continue to correct me, to discipline me when I get off track, and keep me going in the way he desires. It is a journey, sometimes with some stumbles, but nevertheless I am on the right path.