Loretta Gjeltema Home

I watched the child stomp its foot and shout “No!” I smiled, for two reasons. First, because I’m not the parent of that strong-willed child. Secondly, because I saw a glimpse of myself.

I really dislike correction. I hate having to even admit I’m wrong. Yes, I realize that shows my stubborn streak. But, even though I can at times despise the discipline, God knows what I need and provides it whether or not I want it. I need to just swallow my pride and submit to the lesson.

I have learned through the years that recognizing when I need to amend my ways and asking for God’s guidance provides a gentler experience for me. It’s when I try to escape correction that God has to come chasing after me to get me back on the right path. No, I’m not picturing an angry parent shouting at a child that runs in fear, instead, I’m picturing the gentle parent who frantically chases the toddler into the street to snatch them from danger.

Proverbs 15:32 says: If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;
but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. (NLT)

I do want to grow in understanding, I’ve always been a student at heart. I also know to understand correctly, I will need the Father’s gentle correction of my wrongdoings. So, I’m trying to learn to ask for insight, to ask for correction and to be willing to set aside my stubbornness to increase my understanding.

What about you? Do you have a stubborn streak that needs to turned loose to receive correction and understanding? The harder it is to see where we are wrong, the greater the benefit of just praying God’s word and wisdom into the situation. I’d invite you to join me there next time you stomp your foot, declare a stubborn “no” or run off somewhere dangerous!