Yes, Jesus did give correction in many of His interactions. Of course, the hearer's response reflected their heart. Certainly I'd have been one of the right responders to JESUS, but HE isn't the one personally speaking correction to me; I mean this person here...
It's all too easy to get hung up on the particulars, distracted by the expressions on the face in front of me or the tone of voice funneling into my ears. This played out recently as the kids watched an episode of "Restaurant Impossible." Have you seen it? Chef Robert, an imposing muscly fellow equipped with culinary prowess and restaurant know-how, descends on failing food establishments and essentially saves the day. Well upon seeing his serious demeanor and hearing his firm feedback, my tenderhearted kiddos quickly concluded, "He's mean!" Cue the teachable moment (for them and for me.)
I've shared how God has revealed the wrong ways I perceive and respond to correction. What is the right way? More importantly, how do I apply the right way? What does it look like in everyday life?
Ideally, the admonition I receive is needed, true, and let's dream a little and say it's also given correctly. Maybe it is; maybe it isn't. Instead of reacting, instead of analyzing why or how the corrector has provided feedback, instead of preparing my defense, I should take what was said to the Lord and His Word. Tell Him if I'm hurt, affronted, or fill in the blank, and ask for truth and clarity. Likely there is something to the correction regardless of the messenger's motivation or delivery.
David models this over and over in the Psalms. Often when the conversations begin, there are evidences of the all too familiar Dig In, Deflect, Deflate responses; however, as David processes before the Lord and chews on the TRUTH he does know, a beautiful thing happens: his complaints turn to praise while he is reminded of God's magnitude and His promises, no matter the circumstances or work still to be done.
If I immerse myself in Christ's love, remain focused on knowing Him more and making Him known, and filter correction through His grace and truth, I can more appropriately respond to critique. No, I won't don a sandwich board proclaiming, "Rebuke me now," but maybe I will allow it to stretch and grow me when it inevitably comes.
Within 24 hours of our teachable moment with Chef Robert two weekends ago, the Lord provided an incredible example of Biblical response to correction. It came from Jefferson Bethke, creator of "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus," a poetic video recently gone viral on facebook and youtube. Here is a snippet of his reply to Kevin DeYoung, who had blogged a detailed, line-by-line critique of Bethke's poem:
I just wanted to say I really appreciate your article man. It hit me hard....thankful for your words and more importantly thankful for your tone and fatherly like grace on me as my elder. Humbled. Blessed. Thankful for painful growth. Blessings.
Grace and Peace,
Jeff
Wow. Bethke's response is even more impressive if you've read the detailed critique. You don't have to follow the linky words (unless you prefer to do your own research on this, or read blogs written by very scholarly people who don't use Chef Robert as an example), but believe me when I say the review was extensive and the response was admirable.
Lord, may I lay down my defenses and prayerfully consider correction I receive, recognizing it is often a tool of your love. Though the process may be painful, may I praise You all the while, remembering that Jesus, perfect Jesus, continually endured rebuke and so much more for me.
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