Accepting correction

[aspen]

i have been thinking about the idea of accepting correction regarding my own views / behavior on the topics of doctrine and theology, lately. Here is what I have concluded so far and perhaps it may provide insight into how I determine which correction to receive and consider and which correction I reject.

For me, all scripture presented in isolation or provided out of context is suspect and usually the first to be rejected. Doctrine which is used to prop up Christian culture rather than promote hospitality and charity towards all people is also rejected. All scripture, doctrine and theology which is used to attempt to convert people through laws, revisionist history or public education is rejected. Finally, and most importantly, all doctrine that does not broaden our ideas about Gods love, mercy, and unwavering persistent compulsion for the justification, sanctification, and redemption of humanity is nothing, but a clanging of a gong.

Therefore, when I am guilty of not acting charitable or providing hospitality or extending a shadow of the grace God has given to me; I need correction and would be wise to consider it.

As far as my doctrine and theology, I have no doubt it will be corrected by God someday, and unless it is interfering with my ability or desire to love God and neighbor, it is unimportant.

How do you determine what correction to consider and what correction to ignore?

 

[DogLady19]

I like this topic! As the Body of Christ, we must always remind ourselves that we cannot do without each other. Every part is important and serves a role. Pertaining to this topic, some in the Body are indeed called to teach, but they just haven't learned how to be good teachers yet. That can be fixed with prayer and more knowledge of God's Word.

God says that the Word of God "is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

As such, the only godly correction we should ever give is through the Word of God, not our own church doctrine or opinion, and it should be for the sole purpose of preparing that person to be a well-functioning part of the Body.

Galatians 6:1 says that any correction we should give must be in a spirit of gentleness. That means name-calling, contempt, disrespect, insults, etc. are not any way to correct a member of the Body of Christ. Accusing someone of being a false prophet every time they misquote the Bible or misuse a piece of scripture is NOT gentle!

The purpose of the correction is to bring someone closer to God and to train them in righteousness. So, if your correction simply makes them focus on you, or causes them to give up or feel shameful, then your correction was not godly.

Romans 15 says that not only should we be patient with the weaker members of the Body, but we must also build them up. Put downs, by definition, do not build up! We are supposed to correct and teach with the same love, gentleness and patience that Jesus uses toward all of us.

Without the gentleness and respect, a person is simply being arrogant and prideful to point out the errors of others for whom Christ died. 1 Samuel 2 says that God is a God of Knowledge, and He will always know our motives for sharing the knowledge he gave a person, and He will judge that person accordingly.

"Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions... Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand." Romans 14:1 & 4

 

[Angelina]

I've never thought about accepting correction about my personal beliefs because the subject has never come up. I would like to point out that if I did hold to a belief/doctrine that should be rejected, I would most likely listen/believe someone who has spent their time and energy sowing in to my life. I probably would not listen/believe someone I do not know personally unless he is a man of God whose words directly impact my inner being with that truth revealed. Just my thoughts... :)

 

[DogLady19]

I've never thought about accepting correction about my personal beliefs because the subject has never come up. I would like to point out that if I did hold to a belief/doctrine that should be rejected, I would most likely listen/believe someone who has spent their time and energy sowing in to my life. I probably would not listen/believe someone I do not know personally unless he is a man of God whose words directly impact my inner being with that truth revealed. Just my thoughts... :)

Hear hear! You have to know someone loves you before you can accept correction - and that is no doubt a scriptural requirement that we only correct someone in love...

I hope that when I am erring, my brother or sister would help me get back on the right path. Even if they are a stranger, like someone on this forum, I will pay attention to whatever they have to offer by way of scripture... but then it is up to me to seek the Holy Spirit's confirmation about what they've said. I don't blindly take anyone's word for anything.

As it says in Roman 3:4 - Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."