Love Not Hate

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
LOVE NOT HATE
Prov 12:1
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates correction is stupid.
NIV
Now here is a difficult saying. I do not mind discipline or instruction as the Hebrew implies, but I think it depends on from where it comes. I bristle a bit when another person offers correction or discipline aimed in my direction. I think it is because that smacks of judgment or them thinking more of themselves then they should. I think that log should be removed before looking for the toothpick in my eye. Who here on the earth is perfect enough to offer correction for my life? Granted I sit under the ministry of men who have been called by God to declare his truth and I accept those words with a grateful heart although I still weight their words against his word. I certainly love knowledge but I am not so enamored with the knowledge of this world as much as I am with the knowledge of God. So much of the time I think those who spout off of this world’s knowledge are simply the ones who are stupid. They merely recite the same thoughts of another human idea, following after one another as sheep to the slaughter. The only source of true discipline, of true correction comes from the Word of God. I look toward his word for the true way of my life. I love his word and how it speaks to the real heart issues of my being. It is alive and well within my soul. I still become a bit defensive when God speaks to me through his word, but not like I do when a person thinks they have the right to correction and discipline me. But when God speaks, there are times I try to justify my behavior, but it never works, and I always give in and accept his teaching and his leading. No doubt my humanity gets in the way of perfect acceptance at all times, but that does not override my desire for his instruction in my life. Do I live as though I am not accountable to others, but only God? No, I try to live in harmony and peace with others, and believe I am responsible to interact in the proper manner respecting others and demonstrating restraint. But at the same time I am not so willing to have them stand as judge and jury of my every word or action. Mutual respect and equality are key in a Godly relationship here on earth. I will endeavor to restrain from anything else. I will also continue to believe the only source for my life, both in discipline and correction is God. I love it not hate it.