I teach a youth (ages 10-12) Bible study class, and the learning experience has been mutual. One thing I’ve learned is kids seldom accept responsibility for their actions. If I reprimand an unruly student, s/he immediately gives an eye-witness report – you know, what everyone else was doing. I guess it’s easier to avoid, rather than confront, guilt.
We have a natural inclination toward rebellion, and it’s confirmed in the text cited above. Mark recorded an instance where JESUS rebuked the religious leaders. Instead of admitting their guilt, they wanted to arrest JESUS. Can you see yourself in this story?
Correction never comes to embarrass us; rather, GOD uses it to get us back on the right path. So the next time you receive a convicting message, repent rather than rebel. Remember, “… the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child” (Hebrews 12:6, New Living Translation). Correction is an expression of love.