TODAY’S MEDITATION – Blessed is the one whom God corrects (Job 5:17)

God loves you so much that He is unwilling to leave you in the condition you are currently in. Jesus said: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:1-2).
 
My brother, my sister, know that even if your walk with the Lord is flourishing and you are bearing much fruit, there is still some corrective pruning that is taking place. Why is that? So that you can bear more fruit. If the primary desire of your heart is to be used by God in a special way, then get ready for some pruning. He will point out things in your life that have to change, things that could be slowing you down and preventing you from doing even more. Many people at this time will be expecting a pat on the back for all the good they have done, but the truth is they are just getting started. There is more work to be done and to help you fulfil your destiny, God will tell you to change this and to change that. This is far more important than a pat on the back.
 
My friend, never think that you can ever reach a point in your life where correction is no longer needed. There is always sin to get rid of and weights to be removed. In your heart you know what these things are and, when they are dealt with, your productivity in the kingdom of God will rise to a higher level. This is why godly correction should be desired and not despised. Apostle Paul said “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of His body, the church” (Ephesians 4:15). The Message Bible even goes further to say ” No prolonged infancies among us, please. We’ll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love” (Ephesians 4:14-16).
 
Yes, you are to be a light in a dark world. People are to see what Jesus is like by the things you say and do. If you are not acting like God’s personal representative on the earth, then there are some things you need to be corrected on. Godly correction is not a bad thing but is a display of God loving you. To not be corrected is to not be loved: “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty” (Job 5:17). Correction gives you freedom for it deliverers you from the bondage of doing things the wrong way. God can and will do this for you in every area of your life. You should desire this correction and receive it with gladness even though it may not be enjoyable at the time. You can take comfort knowing that God has your best interests in mind and that His only purpose in correcting you is so you can become more like Christ. My friend, all good things come with a price and the good benefits of being corrected is well worth the price to go through it. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.