Journal Prov 12 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but (the person) who hates reproof is stupid. An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Prov 12:1, 4, and 18
Observation: Loving discipline and knowledge, intentional performance, and the results of a deliberate mouth is the point of today’s post.
Analysis: It isn’t often that wives and women get any deliberate traction in a post. I will confess that I am scared to do this, even obliquely like I am going to do. The world’s “political correctness” has infiltrated Christianity, to the point that there are certain subjects and directions that are forcibly taboo: “How dare you talk like that!!”
I don’t think of myself as misogynistic or even 1950 Neanderthal; what I do try to fully engage in is the Word of God. Just like I point out the obvious in my writing (gender neutral), there are fully specific scriptures that are specifically applicable to Males (men, husbands, and fathers, including leadership in and of the Church). What isn’t quite talked about FULLY are women, wives, and mothers and what are objectives from the Word of God.
Note that I am always advocating the “Reflection in the Mirror” approach to self-evaluation. It isn’t ever right to “command” obedience to the Scripture by anyone (specifically Husbands to Wives), but it is always correct to point out humbly the Scriptures—knowing that as it is pointed out, we are always co-equal in fault (Indwelling Sin, remember? Man or Woman: we always need Redemption and Change by the Holy Spirit; nobody ever has “arrived” faultless.
Man or Woman: We all hate reproof effortlessly; resisting change in favor of ourselves is built in our DNA and we default to being stupid without a second thought. Loving reproof, loving knowledge? There is the effort needed. Isaiah said: “The whole head is sick…” and I prove it every day, and I am not alone. Ro 12, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers (and sisters if it needs to be spelled out), to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Continuing:
Do not be conformed to this World, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, THAT by testing YOU MAY discern what is the will of God… (Ro 12:1-2)
It is up to the individual to desire change. Individually, we have to want it, to pursue it like a treasure hunt, and not give up. Jesus is the Pearl of Great Price and finding Him at the point of a Salvation experience does not call the Hunt off.
Giddy yap, amigos!!
Prayer: Father, to persevere to the end does not mean keeping the same confession I had at the point I recognize as my Conversion, but it does imply that my life should be maturing, becoming deeper, seeking (and finding) you through my life. My life should be expanding through living through your Word, not just my “common sense” and good intentions.
Deepen me, O God, make my words like they should be in you.
Amen
Ricky Two Shoes