So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:7
No one likes to have negative or sinful things about them pointed out. Sure, we may say that we welcome correction or reproof, or that we are open to learning more of our weaknesses and shortcomings, but deep down, it really is something we resist. We not only fail to go out of our way to find those who can point those out to us, often we actually shy away from anyone who would share those sins, weaknesses, and shortcomings with us.
Yet, there are few things more valuable to our growth as Christians than to have someone lovingly point out a sinful action or behavior, or a habit that we have that hinders others, or a weakness that we may not want to consider. When such things are pointed out to us, we have the opportunity to address that issue and to grow from it. I know personally that I have benefited from having this done for me any number of times, sometimes on matters of minor importance and at other times on matters that deeply affected me and others. Each time, I have grown in my Christian faith and in the living out of that faith because of such encounters.
Truth be told, having someone do this for us is much like a thorn in the flesh. To be honest, I made use of the verse above because it somewhat fit what I was looking for from a Bible verse for this post, rather than being the specific thing that Paul was talking about. However, I do believe that we would tend to look at someone bringing a word of correction or reproof as a thorn. It's something to avoid. It keeps us from becoming conceited. It may or may not be of Satan, but it does serve to remind us of the humility that God looks for in His people.
So the simple question tonight is, who is your thorn? Who is that person that could address a sin issue, a weakness, or a correction, and that you would be open to their words? Some might say it's your spouse, and there is something to that. However, while it's good to be open and honest as a married couple, you usually want to focus on building up and strengthening each other. Yes, at times that means addressing issues, but I would suggest that you don't necessarily want the person who is your thorn to be your spouse.
Consider, though. Who is that person who can address that sin issue in a firm, yet caring way? Who is there that you know who could correct something that you have done, and you won't build up a wall of pride to prove them wrong (or, at least, not too high a wall)? Who could poke you in a way that hurts, but that serves to draw you to humility and care, and so the pain they inflict is something that you are thankful for?
If you don't have such a person in your life, perhaps it's time to look for that. WARNING: doing this WILL be damaging to your pride and ego. You are not perfect, and you will have some holes punctured in you. Yet, when this is done in a caring way toward you, you can start to address these areas and grow as a Christian, which benefits you, the whole Body of Christ, and ultimately all of your neighbors as well.
No one likes to have negative or sinful things about them pointed out. Sure, we may say that we welcome correction or reproof, or that we are open to learning more of our weaknesses and shortcomings, but deep down, it really is something we resist. We not only fail to go out of our way to find those who can point those out to us, often we actually shy away from anyone who would share those sins, weaknesses, and shortcomings with us.
Yet, there are few things more valuable to our growth as Christians than to have someone lovingly point out a sinful action or behavior, or a habit that we have that hinders others, or a weakness that we may not want to consider. When such things are pointed out to us, we have the opportunity to address that issue and to grow from it. I know personally that I have benefited from having this done for me any number of times, sometimes on matters of minor importance and at other times on matters that deeply affected me and others. Each time, I have grown in my Christian faith and in the living out of that faith because of such encounters.
Truth be told, having someone do this for us is much like a thorn in the flesh. To be honest, I made use of the verse above because it somewhat fit what I was looking for from a Bible verse for this post, rather than being the specific thing that Paul was talking about. However, I do believe that we would tend to look at someone bringing a word of correction or reproof as a thorn. It's something to avoid. It keeps us from becoming conceited. It may or may not be of Satan, but it does serve to remind us of the humility that God looks for in His people.
So the simple question tonight is, who is your thorn? Who is that person that could address a sin issue, a weakness, or a correction, and that you would be open to their words? Some might say it's your spouse, and there is something to that. However, while it's good to be open and honest as a married couple, you usually want to focus on building up and strengthening each other. Yes, at times that means addressing issues, but I would suggest that you don't necessarily want the person who is your thorn to be your spouse.
Consider, though. Who is that person who can address that sin issue in a firm, yet caring way? Who is there that you know who could correct something that you have done, and you won't build up a wall of pride to prove them wrong (or, at least, not too high a wall)? Who could poke you in a way that hurts, but that serves to draw you to humility and care, and so the pain they inflict is something that you are thankful for?
If you don't have such a person in your life, perhaps it's time to look for that. WARNING: doing this WILL be damaging to your pride and ego. You are not perfect, and you will have some holes punctured in you. Yet, when this is done in a caring way toward you, you can start to address these areas and grow as a Christian, which benefits you, the whole Body of Christ, and ultimately all of your neighbors as well.
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