Most people have an aversion to correction. We dislike others telling us we are wrong or doing something incorrectly, especially if we think we are correct. We could take a different approach to correction. We could view it as something done for our good and to make us better, rather than done to discredit, demean or hamper us. We could also look at it as a source of knowledge and teaching and realize that all knowledge and teaching corrects us in its own way.
For the vast majority, the parents were the primary teachers/correctors. The primary goal was for our safety and development. Throughout life other people came into our lives; teachers, coaches, mentors, supervisors, all with the same purpose in mind – our betterment. The problem was our inability to see this and fight against them, assuming our way was the correct and only way. In time we grew in wisdom, usually through the suffering we created for ourselves in our stubbornness and came to see the real gift in these people in our lives, even finding ourselves repeating things they said to us to others. As a personal confession here, I am amazed sometimes at the frequency of saying and doing things that my father did that used to drive me crazy and I saw as invalid!
We have a more important source of teaching than all these and the repercussions run much deeper than the temporal needs and issues of life. This source is Christ and his Church. This is the true source of all teaching and wisdom and the salvation of our soul rests upon it.
Scripture ranks above all other sources for knowledge and truth and for direction in right living and of treating others. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) In scripture we are challenged point blank to love our enemies, turn the other cheek, choose between God or money, denying ourselves and willingly picking up and carrying our crosses, and denying everything and everyone placing Jesus above all. We should not look at the teachings and warnings in scripture as a burden to carry but an opportunity to grow in wisdom and holiness. As we grow in study and understanding of Scripture we grow and mature in our faith and become ready to eat of the solid food referenced in Hebrews. “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:14)
In Her wisdom, Christ’s Church has also provided great teaching in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Council documents, Papal letters and encyclicals, writings of the Saints, and Tradition which the Church has passed down through the ages. We also have our priests, deacons, and religious to offer guidance and reproof as well as validation and encouragement. Challenging teachings separate superficial followers from committed disciples of Christ. Teaching and correction should cause us to go inward, to reflect on ourselves and our life. This should be taken as a time to improve and come closer to God, not as a burden or judgement passed on us.
A change in perspective can make all the difference. If we read the Beatitudes, we can reflect on how we can become more like the one described, not as how we are not. When we read about the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, we can reflect on how we can live these more fully, not as how we are neglecting them. When we read the Catechism and Documents of the Church, we can reflect on becoming more congruent with them rather than condemning our failure to live up to them. In hearing the preaching and teaching of our Pastors we can focus on obedience and detach from our personal inclinations. When we read from the lives of the Saints we can reflect on how to emulate their sacrifice and love of God above all else, rather than give up on changing our way of living. Knowledge is the source of all life, and Christ and his Church are the source of all knowledge. We must embrace it and we should be open to discipline in our faith. We should aim to see the error in our ways and be open to others pointing out our error to grow in faith and holiness. “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1) Teaching and correction can be uncomfortable and displeasing when our pride gets in the way. If we humble ourselves, they can become welcome and invigorating, bringing peace, hope, and happiness into our lives as we grow closer to God.
“Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them – every day begin the task anew.” (St. Francis de Sales)
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