Proverbs 12 admonishes each of us, “1 Whoever loves discipline (instruction) loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” Uh, this is a bit straightforward! So, here’s the deal. Do you have an openness to God’s instructions even when you don’t like what it may say for you to do, think or feel? Another way to ask this to us men may be, “do you compartmentalize, unwilling to follow God’s instructions to give certain secret, pet areas over to Him?”
The prophet Samuel had to be frank with King Saul in 1 Samuel 15 “23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.” Notice what “rebellion” looks like to God. “You have rejected the word of the Lord.” Saul rejected God’s instruction. Samuel declared rejection of Gods word is like “the sin of divination and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.” Let’s simplify this. Stubbornly, rejecting God’s word, His instruction/correction in our lives, opens us up to darkness in the spiritual world and makes us vulnerable to “the rulers, the authorities, the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
If anyone is placing your agenda in any area of your life before God’s desires for your life whether it is the sin of commission (what you are doing or desiring) or omission (what you are not doing or desiring), you need to repent (change your mind). Humbly, turn towards God and become obedient to His word. 2 Timothy 3 “16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Hebrews 4:12 is a dynamite verse, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” When His word brings to light a thought or attitude that needs to be corrected, be obedient. 1 John 1 promises, “9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Dear brother, let me assure you, His cleansing is healing!
Don’t be stupid.
Barnabas Man 