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Pointers along the way #809

Imperfect servants of God

- Jacob Ninan

You can listen to this on YouTube

Every one of God's servants on earth is imperfect; we know things only in part (1Co.13:9), yet we imagine what we do is right (Pr.21:2), we make many mistakes (Ja.3:2), and even though we think we can see other people's faults clearly, actually we are not able to see our own faults (Mt.7:3). Our bigger problem is, when someone tries to help us by pointing out our mistakes, we reject them and justify ourselves, instead of becoming wiser (Pr.12:15).

Just to take an example, look at Samson who defeated the Philistines and delivered Israel from them. His major fault was that he had a weakness when it came to women. Do we look at his weakness with women and overlook his work for God? That is one possible unbalanced view from our side. Another unbalanced view from Samson's side may have been to look at his victories over the Philistines and overlook his weakness with women. But the overall fact is that he did many great things for God which God recognised by naming him in the list of the heroes of faith in He.11. It is not that God ignored Samson's weakness either.

I think God recognises that all of His servants are going to be imperfect, (because that's the only kind He can get), and He is prepared to accept us with certain limitations. What He looks for is a devotion to Him from all our heart, mind and strength. He disciplines His servants so that we can go on towards perfection (He.12:10).

It is sad if when we receive a correction we reject it right away. There are several reasons why we do it. We may think of the ways God has used us and imagine that it is a sign of God being well-pleased with us. So we may think that all these 'accusations' that are coming are from the Enemy, and reject them. Another reason why we reject correction is because we think the person who is pointing out a mistake has no right to correct us because we are far ahead of him spiritually and in ministry. We can also attribute corrections to the Devil trying to hinder the 'great' work we are doing, or to people who are jealous of our accomplishments!

Paul was able to recognise that he knew only in part and that there was much left to learn yet (1Co.13:9). James was humble enough to admit openly that there was no one who did not make any mistakes (Ja.3:2). Peter who was the chief of the apostles before Paul came along and overshadowed him admitted that there were things Paul wrote which he could not understand (2Pe.3:15,16).

If we want to become wiser, we should be willing to receive correction, irrespective of the standing of those who correct us. The question to ask is not who they are to correct us, but only if what they are saying has some truth in it. Even if some of it is not correct, that does not mean that it is altogether wrong or that they have some ulterior motive in saying it.

The bottom line? None of us knows it all, and we all need to keep learning. Let us be humble in receiving correction and admitting our mistakes.

Pointers are available in YouTube audio from #789.

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