Rev. Michelle Manuel

Proverbs 13:1-6
A wise child loves discipline,
but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of their words good persons eat good things,
but the desire of the treacherous is for wrongdoing.
3 Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives;
those who open wide their lips come to ruin.
4 The appetite of the lazy craves, and gets nothing,
while the appetite of the diligent is richly supplied.
5 The righteous hate falsehood,
but the wicked act shamefully and disgracefully.
6 Righteousness guards one whose way is upright,
but sin overthrows the wicked.

Reflection:
His voice shook and his eye contact wavered, but he stayed professional as he explained to me how my actions negatively impacted his ability to do his job. I had gotten out of my lane and caused a few fires within his team that needed to be extinguished. It was an honest mistake. I was young and green and really didn’t know how to function in a professional setting. So naturally, I doubled down, leaning heavily on “protocol and policy,” A method meant to cover up my embarrassment of being called out. Ugh, I cringe at the memory of this moment from long ago. Perhaps you know exactly why I wasn’t willing to receive this feedback. The undisciplined ego within me was screaming OUCH and chose self-preservation instead of the humility that could have brought restoration to the situation and to the relationships I had damaged.

A wise child loves discipline.

How could anyone love discipline or correction? Aren’t these types of “ouch moments” something to be avoided? It’s interesting that discipline and disciple share the same root word, discipulus meaning “pupil, student, learner.” I have fancied myself a disciple of Christ for a long time, and I love it. However, I do not love discipline as much as I love being a disciple. I love learning about Jesus, spending time in his presence, praising him, serving his children. But I can’t say I naturally love the discipline part. Proverbs 13 suggests that discipline is a key part of being a disciple. This is what I signed up for. To be made more into the likeness of Christ is to accept a life of more love and grace than I could ever imagine, a love that transforms, grows and heals.

A wise child loves discipline.

God can reach us and teach us through anything. Conviction from the Holy Spirit, or “ouch moments,” can come through loved ones, situations, co-workers, strangers, pastors, silent meditation and prayer, studying the Bible, mentors, you name it. But it can’t be done alone. We need the Holy Spirit and/or the accountability of our trusted Christian friend. Even though it can sting a bit, we need trusted people who have our permission to approach us when we step out of line and enter these moments to spur us on in our faith journey. The rigidity of self-discipline done alone can venture into self-flagellation, beating ourselves up as a way to feel like we’re good and worthy of love. This is just another side of that same ego coin.

When we become a disciple of Christ we let him be Lord of our life. We step out of the judgement seat and let the Holy Spirit do the convicting and correcting. We can trust God to guide us. We need simply seek the voice of God who created us, knows us deeply, and loves us more than we could ever know.

The life of discipleship does involve a measure of discipline and correction, but it also involves a whole lot of grace, mercy, and love. Is it possible for us to come to a place in which we learn to love the ouch however it’s delivered? Can I unclench my jaw, admit my wrongs and move into a place of a deepened faith that ultimately shows Jesus to others? Suddenly the ouch doesn’t cut so deeply because I know God is with me there. This is the humble life of a wise child of God who has come to love discipline

Prayer:
Gracious and Loving God,
Today I claim afresh my role as your disciple- the humble, fault-admitting, learning, growing disciple. I welcome your correction from wherever it comes – coworkers, children, loved ones, strangers, natural consequences of my actions. Help me to always bring my ‘ouch moments’ to you so that I can let go of my ego and learn new ways of walking in faith. Jesus, make me more into your image for the sake of this world. I welcome the ouch so that I might be sanctified in love. Amen.