Correction



Pro 13:24  He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him seeks him with correction. 


	The process of correction, though necessary especially in the formative  years 

of family living, is something that normally does not hold a very high rank of 

favoritism as an anticipated event for either the child or the parent.  I can remember 

as a child knowing that I had come to that point where my attitude or deeds were in 

need of help in their adjustment, and it was inevitable that one of my parents were 

going to provide that help. It was not with desirable anticipation that I entered the 

room where the "board of correction would be applied to my seat of learning". If 

there was any way of avoiding this encounter with correction, it was definitely the 

option of choice. 

	There were attempts made to be "unavailable" for a period of time, hoping 

there might be a little memory loss with the passing of time, or at least a lessening of 

resolve to actually proceed with this action. Passionate pleas for mercy filled the air 

(sometimes to the delight of listening siblings) and there was creative reasoning 

given as to why it might be better to just have a talk rather than a swat. Promises 

were made of sincere resolve to never commit that dastardly deed again. 

	But, there was something present in the heart of my parents that caused them 

to press on past the barrage of defense attempts to the necessary application of 

correction. In the heart of my parents was a love that would not allow any wrong 

attitude or deed to remain without doing their part to insure its removal. What made 

it especially effective was when the correction was given immediately. The more 

quickly this thing could take place the more impacting would be the fulfillment of its 

purpose. The intensity of my need to receive corrective measures would cause them 

to quickly find me and administer what I needed. 

	Although painful for both of us, the experience of loving correction was more 

than just punishment; it was the removal of a barrier in our relationship. As long as I 

was allowed to continue without correction there was a wall of separation 

constructed between us. I was quite aware of my wrongdoing and knew that it was 

something that would not please my parents. In avoiding them I might avoid their 

displeasure, so there would be a compromise made in the nearness of our 

relationship. With the speedy application of my needed attention, though, there was 

a removal of this barrier. There was no longer this transgression that could stand 

between my parents and me. No longer would I have to deal with that certain 

displeasure, it was expelled with the correction. In the purity of their hearts was a 

motivation for restoration that would do anything as quickly as possible to bring 

down that wall and provide ready access again to their nearness. 

	This passage from Proverbs refers to not only the love in the heart of the 

parent, but the desire to quickly seek out the child and remove the transgression. 

Made to be of top priority is this restoration of relationship. As this is true in the case 

of an earthly parent, there is surely a truth for us in our relationship with our 

heavenly Father. Whenever there is a corrective need within us our Father is 

immediately there with measures that may be painful to our pride, but will most 

definitely remove any wall of division. Despite our attempts at avoiding it and though 

we may come up with excuses for our faults, there is a persistent insistence on 

correction upon our return home to His presence. He is continually seeking us out as 

a top priority so that we no longer have to live far-removed from His favor. His 

motive and purpose is never punishment but loving restoration. 

	In understanding His heart and His intent, there is much effect given to the 

correction. It can be embraced as something that will not only remove that 

destructive pattern in our lives, but also remove anything that might compromise 

fellowship with our Father. With continual and speedy application of correction as 

needed there is an acquired maturity in us that anticipates and embraces anything 

that will preserve the wonderful privilege of His favorable presence. 

	"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me". 

(Psalm 51:10) Let this be the choice made by us in the time of correction. Rather than 

running away in avoidance, let there be an embrace of the Father's correction with a 

willing and receptive heart. May there be a seeking that not only takes place on our 

Father's part, but may our seeking of Him include embracing the removal of any 

impurities in our lives. In the resulting holiness will be an ever-growing nearness to 

our Father and the wonderful fellowship that is ours at His side. 



4/13/04