Your Daily Slice

 

TISHRI 29

Correct Correction

 

 “Let not any hateful word come out of your mouth, but that which is pleasing and useful for edification, that you may give favor to those who hear.  And do not grieve the Ruach HaKodesh of Eloah, by whom you are sealed until the day of redemption.”  (Eph 4:29-30, HRVS)

 

My (natural) dad had the ‘art of diplomacy’ fined tuned to perfection; he knew what to say, how to say it, and did so in such a way that it never caused offence.  I would receive, from him, correction in just such a manner.  It was not unusual for it to be days later before I realized that I had been corrected and disciplined, my direction turned around to a different path, and away from the doorway of destruction.  And it was not necessarily the words themselves that my dad used; it was the way in which they had been used that made all the difference.

 

I have seen a growing trend within the body of Messiah concerning individuals who believe they are called to ‘correct’, but do so with heavy criticism, out of sense of pride and arrogance.  These individuals are causing horrible hurt and damage to people’s lives, damage that is both unnecessary and unscriptural.   Dangerous, very dangerous.   I agree, support, and submit to those whom Elohim (not man) calls into the five-fold ministry, those that are appointed and anointed (Eph 4:11).   However, it is uncanny how few people understand the purpose of those through whom these ministries operate. 

 

“Their task is to equip God's people for the work of service that builds the body of the Messiah, until WE ALL ARRIVE AT THE UNITY implied by trusting and knowing the Son of God, at full manhood, at the standard of maturity set by the Messiah's perfection.” (Eph 4:12-13 CJB, emphasis mine)

 

My husband and I have worked alongside of the leadership of several different congregations during the last 20 years; we have taken our responsibilities very seriously.  Yes, there is a place for correction, but it must be done in such a way that is edifying, encouraging, and exhorting to our brother/sister, challenging them to press on with even more enthusiasm than before (1The 5:11; Rom 14:19).  Firmness can successfully be combined with gentleness and compassion - our Master Yeshua is always our example in this. His disciples lived with Him throughout His ministry, and what correction was done was always done in love (see Luke 22:32, for one example).

 

We will be held accountable for every word that leaves our mouths – good or bad.  How do we want people to talk to us?  How do we want people to talk about us?  Let us not forget, when we speak harshly, or ugly, to or about someone, we are harming one that is made in the image of our Creator, and we are setting ourselves up as judge and jury of that one – a position that we have no right to occupy.

 

 “Set a guard, O YHWH, to my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3 HRVS)

 

“And I say to you that FOR EVERY IDLE WORD men speak, they shall give an account of it in the day of judgment.  For by YOUR WORDS you shall be declared righteous, and by YOUR WORDS you shall be declared unrighteous.”  (Mat 12:36-37, emphasis mine)

 

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