No Regrets for Rebukes
I have some regret that I did not live the first thirty- some years of my life serving the Lord. I did not know Him. When He brought me to faith, even after years in a main-line church, I realized I knew very little about Him.
One advantage of coming to faith later in life is that I clearly remember the people and the words God has used to change me and shine His light on the path He wanted me to follow.
Everyone knows that we should not use foul language but I had grown up with it all around me. Even in the workplace, the language was really bad from “professionals.”
Before we even owned a concordance, our daughter asked where the Bible says that we should not use cuss words. A boy at school had challenged her on it. We searched. We looked up “cuss,” “curse,” “bad words,” and finally “language.” There it was in Colossians 3:8, “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.”
I had felt a conviction when I used foul language. Now, I had seen it in writing that I was to stop it. The Lord took it from me. I was grateful.
Another one I remember clearly was when God showed me my pride. My self-esteem needed no increase! I had seen it in the scriptures; “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor” (Proverbs 29:23). (And many others.) Later I read Nancy Wildermuth’s book, “Brokenness, Surrender, Holiness” and was so convicted about how many problems my pride was causing.
The Lord started nudging me every time I acted pridefully. It was a lot. He still does this.
Today, I got an email pointing me to Proverbs 15:31. It says, “The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise.” The next verses go on to say, “He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility” (Proverbs 15:32-33 NKJV)
At first I wondered what “The rebukes of life means” As I read a commentary, I realized that they are exactly what the Lord has used to change me and grow my faith. Sometimes these rebukes come directly from the Word of God or books on the Word of God. These days it could be a Facebook meme or a blog post (though there are plenty that should not instruct us!). All those little smacks on the head that day-to-day life hands out, all the nudges of conscience, the occasional scowl or look from a trusted friend – these are “The rebukes of life.”
In his commentary, Matthew Henry points out that they are “rebukes of life” because when they are taken seriously, they are a means of spiritual life and may lead to eternal life. Verses 32-33 teach that to hear and listen to such rebukes brings understanding and humility – and then honor.
Hearing the biblical truth about our words, actions, or attitudes may sound harsh to us. But, the person willing to speak that truth about what we are saying or doing is giving us a gift that will lead us to greater peace and joy. The “rebukes of life” could also be taken as rebukes from God.
No Christian will ever regret responding obediently to a rebuke from our God or His Word.
I truly am grateful for these rebukes. I didn’t always take them seriously, but I do now.
Indeed, Jessica, they are a blessing.
I am thankful for those few people in my life who aren’t afraid to let me know when I’ve drifted from God’s best for my life. I consider the friend who warned me not to marry my ex, feeling strongly enough to refuse to be a bridesmaid. I didn’t listen to her, but appreciated her boldness. She remains one of my closest friends. I strive to be that kind of sister in the Lord! Good word.
Wow, Candice! What a great friend but even more amazing is that you stayed friends – that says something for your integrity, too! We take a risk speaking the truth in love these days…but only from a worldly perspective. Before the Lord we are acting righteously. Blessings!
So true we need more of this because how else will we grow in all that God has for us. Great thoughts to meditate and apply!
Thanks Ava, These are encouraging words.
I appreciate that sanctification is a process, and it’s very refreshing to see Christians seek to understand God’s truth, then apply it. So many Christians don’t do this and they seem to feel like cussing (or other acts of disobedience) actually makes them more effective or more “free” (even among church leaders!). But our obedience matters. God expects us to be set apart and continually becoming more like Christ. Thank you for your humble heart that is open to obeying God. (And I love Matthew Henry’s commentary – often my first stop when I need more perspective on a passage.)
Thanks Stephen,
I agree with you. If we would hear more teaching on being conformed to the image of Christ, the One who only did what His Father gave Him to do, we might have a greater understanding, and be more willing to obey God ourselves. Thanks for the encouraging words.
M. Henry is my first stop, too!
A-Men Sister very good post, thanks for keeping it real we all needed this for sure.
This is a good message, Beth, and something new to me. I was unfamiliar with the term, the rebukes of life. I like how you tied your own personal experience and what are often cultural issues like foul language to rebukes. And love Matthew Henry’s wisdom in saying “they are a means of spiritual life and may lead to eternal life.”
Thanks for exercising your gift of encouragement on me, Stephen!
Thanks, Karen, the “rebukes of life” was new to me, too. It took me by surprise because I have read through Proverbs many times! But, I love every new detail the Lord shows me (as I am sure oyu do, as well). Thanks for commenting.