I’ve been thinking lately about receiving correction. If you’re like me, being corrected for sin is not an unusual experience. Correction is rarely easy to receive since it is humbling and remaining sin resists humility and growth in godliness at every turn. But God sends us his grace when we humble ourselves to receive correction. And we need it! That’s why CJ in his recent “Guard” message quoted from Paul Tripp’s book Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands:

“Since each of us still has sin remaining in us, we will have pockets of spiritual blindness.” (53)

“Personal insight is the product of community.” (54)

Knowing that makes receiving correction somewhat easier. But what really helps is knowing that correction helps us see our sin, sin which is already forgiven in Christ. That’s why Puritan Richard Sibbes wrote:

“But if we have this for a foundation truth, that there is more mercy in Christ than sin in us there can be no danger in thorough dealing.”

The psalmist must have known this when he wrote Psalm 141:5:

“Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it.”

Two questions from CJ’s message to apply. (If you don’t know what guarding is, listen to the message here. And don’t forget to review Encourage!)

1. Are you initiating guarding?
2. Are you inviting guarding (especially from your parents)?

If you read this post, I’m declaring you to be morally obligated to ask your parents if they think you are doing this. Hop to it.

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