Keeping an open heart to correction

1 Corinthians 4:14-21

¹⁴ I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. ¹⁵ For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. ¹⁶ So I urge you to imitate me.

¹⁷ That’s why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go.

¹⁸ Some of you have become arrogant, thinking I will not visit you again. ¹⁹ But I will come—and soon—if the Lord lets me, and then I’ll find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God’s power. ²⁰ For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. ²¹ Which do you choose? Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit?

In this passage, Paul continues to address the problem of divisions in the church due to their allegiance to various teachers. It stands out to me that Pauls purpose in his letter is to “warn you as my beloved children”. He seeks to correct, build them up based out of his love and special relationship, and encourage them to “imitate” him.

Paul doesn’t do this to compete with other teachers. Rather, Paul encourages the church to take the example of how he follows Christ through his integrity and behaviours, and imitate them in their interactions together.

We can struggle to take on encouragement from God, or our leaders – who direct us and bring encouragement for our good. We know that Christian truths are to be worked out in our lives, changing us into the image of God so our lives demonstrate Christ to those around.

At times, God will correct us so that we can continue to grow in faith. Perhaps there is an area you are feeling challenged in – we are all works in progress. We can take heart that God’s correction is out of his abundant love, knowing He is a faithful Father who guides and has a future for each of us.

 Lord, thank you that you love us. Please help us to listen and take on your correction and encouragement. Please help us to live lives that honour you, are transformed by your truths, and that show your goodness to those around us. Amen.

Written by Ps. Andie Molteno