Monday; June 24

How do we react when we are corrected? As much as we probably hate to admit it, we aren’t perfect, so there are going to be times when we make mistakes. Now, just for the minute, let’s take the moral element of sin out of it – what do we do when someone with good intentions corrects our information or behavior? If you are like many of us, you might try to defend yourself and discredit their admonition; however, there is a better way to deal with it.

Not long ago, I was appropriately corrected in something I was mistaken. My first temptation was to react and place the blame on something else, but interestingly the way the other person approached the situation – factually and supportively – I was quickly able to move from a reaction to a response. As I thought about my circumstance, I was reminded of Apollos in Acts 18 who had his preaching corrected by Aquila and Priscilla who “… took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately to him.” (Acts 18:26). This approach not only led him to be more factual, it gave him the desire to keep teaching the truth and, “… he greatly helped those who had believed through grace …” (Acts 18:27). Due to the maturity of those involved, what could have been a tense situation turned into the foundation for the advancement of the gospel.

When we are appropriately corrected, let’s not get defensive, let’s get better. When we learn from our mistakes, we can help others overcome theirs.

Think About It!

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