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Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Prov. 15:31-32

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. Prov. 12:11

As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. Heb. 3:15

Dear Lord Jesus, scanning through the book of Proverbs recently, I noticed how many verses about staying teachable, receiving correction, and loving discipline I’ve underlined over the course of the years. I wish the sheer number of highlighted verses was an indication of how humble and non-defensive a man I am. But that’s simply not the case. I can still get stubborn, shift blame, and make excuses with the best of them.

So by the power of the gospel, once again, I want to own, grieve, and repent of pride, defensiveness, and a lack of teachability, Lord Jesus.  Help me anticipate, and welcome, feedback from my spouse—about my attitude, choices, and excesses. Help me to hear your voice in things my children may want to share with me about our shared past, and the present state of our relationships.

Help me to spend time with friends, not just to have fun, but to pursue each other’s hearts and to build each other up—even when that gets messy. Don’t let me ignore concerns and corrections, from mentors, protégés, neighbors, even angels you send (Heb. 13:2).

Help me not just to read the Bible but to have the Bible constantly reading me—exposing my sin and brokenness and revealing more and more and more of the riches of the gospel. There’s no way I’ll make “my home among the wise” without having my heart at home in your mercy, grace, and peace.

Lord Jesus, it’s because you made yourself of no reputation—becoming becoming sin for me, that I don’t have to live with insecurities, or for the approval of people, or for my own reputation. Because I’m no longer guilty or condemned for my sin, I can live in the freedom of convictability, teachability, and humility. As I get older, increasingly free me, for this way of life. So very Amen I pray, in your great and gracious name.

 

 

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