correction – Brian Friedl

Own It And Live It

Brian — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 12:30:07 +0000

I’ve worked with thousands of people over the years and can honestly say it saddens my heart to work with are those who cannot receive discipline and reproof. There is nothing more frustrating for a boss or parent than someone who is unwilling to own their mistakes and receive their consequence. One of the phrases I say over and over again is, “If you are uncoachable, you are miserable.” I say that because you won’t grow without rebuke and correction. How miserable is that!

We are seeing more and more adults refusing to take ownership for their actions. This creates many problems in the workplace and at home including strained relationships, resentment, and an environment that people want to escape.

What’s the best solution? Don’t be that person! How can we glorify God if we are unwilling to listen to His reproof and discipline? The truth is there is always room for improvement for all of us, me included! God continues to discipline us according to our actions and His love. Receive it, pray for change, and then walk in it; seeking to honor Him.

Reflection

What areas do you struggle with receiving reproof/rebuke and discipline?

What are you choosing to do about it?

Prayer

Father, help us to see your love through discipline and reproof. For You have said that you chasten those you love. May our desire be to bring You honor and glory in all things. Align our hearts with Yours and conform us in the image of Christ, Amen!

The Truth About Freedom

Brian — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 12:38:06 +0000

I remember my well my desires for freedom. I would echo things I had heard on movies like, “I have to get out of this town” and “I need to spread my wings”. As high school was coming to a close, I began to get really irritated with my parents. I never really spoke it out loud to them, but in my mind I had somehow been convinced that they were standing in the way of this freedom I longed for.

Up to this point I had pretty much taken the path of least resistance by doing whatever they said. Not because I wanted to obey, but because I didn’t like conflict. I had allowed my mind to be convinced that heir instructions were shackles and chains. I quickly found a way out right after graduation and moved in with a friend.

Shortly thereafter, I realized that freedom wasn’t the result of not having any instruction but instead the result of following good instruction. I noticed that the easiest part of life had come to a close. I was now responsible for myself and all the bills, chores, etc. There were so many things I didn’t know how to do because my pride had kept me from learning, and Google was nowhere to be found

If we look closely at today’s passage there are two parts contrasted:

Ignoring instruction
Receiving Correction

What’s the challenge with receiving instruction and correction? It’s simple. PRIDE

My pride had taken me to a place where I despised myself and was unwilling to listen. There are many people around us every day who have the ability to share some great instruction and offer correction to us. We all have the opportunity to be blessed by these individuals if our pride is put away.

Freedom FROM instruction And correction leads to bondage; not freedom. We need our brothers and sisters in Christ speaking the truth in love to us (both instruction and correction) so that we may grow in the obedience that leads to true freedom.

Reflection

How are you at receiving instruction?

Is your first reaction, “I already know how to do this” or “I am so thankful he is showing me how to…”?

How are you receiving correction?

Is your first reaction, “who is she to correct me”?

Mediate on this verse. Confess your pride as ask God to humble and grow you.

Prayer

Father, your instruction is priceless. We delight in the law of Your word. Humble us where necessary that we may grow in obedience to You and experience the true freedom You give. We thank You for all that you put I our path to instruct and correct us. May we be Your humble, ever-growing servants in Jesus’ name, Amen!

God’s Word Is Light

Brian — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:14:47 +0000

As we pour over the pages of scripture looking for truth, we find the Light from His Word exposes our darkness. I am convinced we are changed every time we open this book. We can no longer go back to living the same way when the truth Is exposed.

The beauty of it is, this point doesn’t simply point out the darkness, it gives you the answer of how to overcome it. It instructs us in matters of righteousness all with the end goal of us being equipped for The good works that He prepared in advance for us to do.

Personal Reflection

Where are you at in your walk with Christ today? Are you longing for the truth of His Word, even if that means you are in error? Or are you burnt out and feeling less than a light in this world? Are you feeling like His Word is keeping you from something good? Turn from any deception that keeps you from His truth. Bathe in His Word today for it is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. God’s plan is for you to be equipped. There are good works to be done today.

Prayer Focus

Father break through the the lies and deliver your truth to our hearts today. Remove bitterness, unforgiveness, lies, and depression. Align our eyes with yours that we may see the good works to be done and do them while being equipped by your Word. Our hope is in you and your truth, in Jesus’ Name, Amen!

#Godswordhasitall #thepoweroftruth #truthtalk4life

@brianfriedl