Reproving Scoffers

This morning I spent some time reflecting on people I’ve worked with during my time in Kenya who, well, made my life challenging. Looking back, I’m so thankful for each one of these individuals because through their poor character, the Lord taught me many lessons.

All of these people had two things in common: First, they all were under my leadership and second, none of them liked reproof.

I remember when I was employed before coming to Kenya.  Monthly I would go to my boss and ask what he thought I could do better as an employee.  I wanted to be the best at whatever job I was doing. And the only way to do that was through hard work and by learning from those in authority.

My dad taught his sons to welcome reproof, knowing that it was instruction for the sake of maturing our character.

Our natural reaction, when corrected, is to become defensive; but why? Do we think that we are “perfect?” Do we not desire to become more mature?

Some of the most successful people I know display the characteristic of humility, to the extent that those under their leadership are comfortable coming to them and expressing their personal opinions about the person’s character.  

There are some people I’ve had the privilege of leading who receive correction well and make changes quickly. They will see the fruits of their character trait.

Others, who I’ve struggled to lead, were not receptive at all. Whenever they were given ways they could improve their job performance, they would become defensive and sometimes, angry. None of these people are currently working with me, most of them are doing little with their lives, and most of them greatly dislike me.

Proverbs 9:8-9 says “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, Reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser…”

In the same way we fight the correction of those in authority, we most often fight the correction of our Father. We urgently need to ask ourselves, "why". I guess it’s because we aren’t wise.

Walking through life if so joyful. Learning these Biblical truths keep things fresh and exciting for me. Learning to be a leader is hard, a lot harder than I ever thought.  Reproving scoffers; that’s something I won’t do anymore.