“31 If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. 32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.” Proverbs 15:31-32 (NLT)
This passage in Proverbs is one of my favorite because it’s extremely simplistic and speaks directly to the mind of the believer. It’s not easy for anyone to hear criticism, especially if you believe you’re always right, and most of us feel that we are. I was reminded of God’s wisdom in Proverbs 15:31-32 after speaking with a dear friend about the significant man in her life. She told me that she feels the need to constantly remind him about his past, so he doesn’t repeat his mistakes. He’s a contractor and has lost good paying jobs in the past because of substance abuse. He’s managed to go long periods of time without drinking, but binges when he hangs out with his old buddies. I suggested that even though she wants to help him stay on the right path, reminding him of past mistakes might not achieve her goal to be helpful. God always wants what is best for us, and only He knows how this is best achieved. When it comes to loving and supporting those we care about, it’s best to encourage and instruct through the wisdom of God’s Word. We shouldn’t let our fears about being disappointed undermine our faith in what only God can do.
God has a plan and purpose for our lives, and it is far better than any we could ever imagine for ourselves. As believers, our approach shouldn’t be about rubbing people’s noses in things they’d rather forget. God’s Word is the encouragement that we all need. It is the reproof and correction that will make our paths straight if we discipline ourselves to what He says. But most people will not do this. They might think they have it all figured out, but none of us do. We can only see as far as our eyes can take us, and that’s very limited. God sees the entire scope of our lives. He knows what we’re going to do before we even think about it. He tells us in Proverbs 3:6 to trust Him in everything we do, because He is the only One that can truly direct our paths.
Romans 12:2(NLT) says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Heavenly Father tells us not to copy the behaviors, customs, and culture of the world. 2Corinthians 6:17 tells us to come out from among those who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and to separate ourselves from them. This means that there are some people in our lives that we need to separate ourselves from. We need to do this so that we do not conform to the very things that God has brought us out of through His Son, Jesus Christ. This doesn’t mean that we deliberately hurt the feelings of others, or think we are above anyone. Disconnecting from those who do not desire the Lord Jesus happens as we grow spiritually, and he will help us because our heart is to please God and to be considerate and kind. We must do all things with love and through the direction and strength our God gives us.
The contractor that my friend told me about has a difficult time separating himself from his friends. At times, he allows himself to be under their influence, and this causes him to betray what he knows to be the right thing. He needs prayer, and this is the greatest gift we can give anyone. Jesus Christ said in John 3:17(NLT), “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Our blessed Lord came to save us not to condemn us. So, we shouldn’t condemn anyone either. Our goal should be to witness the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to speak words of life and not words that pierce and cause people to run from the love of God rather than cling to it.
No matter who you are, if a person doesn’t recognize a need for help and doesn’t want it, they are not in a position to appreciate it. When this is the case, we can include this in our prayers to Heavenly Father. We can pray they will come to a place of understanding that God will help them when they are humble enough to ask and accept His help with gratitude. Until then, our great privilege is to continue praying and to continue being thankful that we serve a God that loves us. He will aid us through anything life throws our way, because He always wants the best for His kids.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“God Always Wants the Best for Us”, written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2021. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.