Correction and reproof keep a man on
the path of life. Just as a child requires correction to learn the things that
will help him grow and mature properly, we all need the correction of our
heavenly Father to avoid the things that can destroy us. Notice that the death
spoken of is physical, moral, and spiritual. All who are without Christ are
spiritually dead, though they do not know it. It is only with Christ and by His
guidance that we can safely journey through this life.
“And you hath he quickened, who
were dead in trespasses and sins: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the
course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the
spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all
had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the
desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath,
even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he
loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with
Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:1-6).
If hell and the place of the dead are
clearly visible to God, how much more are men’s hearts visible to Him? We may
be able to deceive people into thinking that we are good Christians, but God
sees our hearts. If we are not walking in the truth, He knows it. We will reap
what we sow. If we belong to Christ, our lives should show it.
Fools despise correction and their
pride keeps them from coming to the wise ones for guidance. Their lusts and
desires lead them. If they do not repent and turn to Jesus, their end will be
hell. The Lord does not desire that anyone should perish, but because He has
given each of us the gift of free will, we choose whom we serve, either God or
Satan. We may think we can choose to serve ourselves, but this is not an option.
If we serve self, we are really serving Satan. God has given us, His children,
the task of sharing the Gospel with those around us, so that they will have the
opportunity to accept Christ as their Savior and escape hell (2 Peter 3:9). May
we welcome the Lord’s correction so that we will not open the door for Satan to
attack us through our own rebellion and sin. May we also pray for and witness
to the lost so that they may be saved and escape the torments of hell.