Leadership and Correction

Recently I was faced with a mirror of sorts. I was following Biblical Principles and working to remove all issues that could become stumbling blocks in my relationship with the Lord as well as a potential foothold for the enemy to bring bondage through offenses. While addressing the situation, the Spirit led to the uncovering of another issue that I needed to address, that which I had procrastinated in dealing with about a year and a half ago. I knew I needed to confront the issue head on when it occurred but was slow to obey. That proverbial ‘dragging of my feet’ or ‘sitting in my feelings’ caused room for that wrong choice on the other person’s part to become my offense. This was the result from allowing myself to hold onto the indignation I felt rather than confronting the circumstance then leaving it at the Cross.

When I was confronted with the result of my disobedience to address the issue when it happened, I was ill prepared for the twisted enemy attack. When I finally addressed the circumstance, I decided to remove the offense by confronting the situation but was then told that I was mistaken in the context of the situation. So, my disobedience in ‘not letting the sun go down on my anger’ (Ephesians 4:26 KJV) gave the enemy a platform for the accusation of offense. However, as the individual provided ‘the explanation’ of the situation, it was still revealing a wrong was inflicted upon me from said person occupying a leadership role.

Yet the intent of the confrontation was to remove said offense, revealing truth while at the same time correcting/admonishing the wrong initiating the situation. All the while being accountable for not obeying His Timing. I left that meeting with the leadership message that the issue arose from my mistake, and all over again I began to feel that ‘something is not right’ inner man sense.

I sought out wise godly counsel to help me reflect and bounce thoughts off of as I was determined to not fall into the same trap of offense. We conversed on the Biblical Principle and dissected the entirety of the issue from its conception to that very conversation. The intent of my heart was to seek out the matter from Biblical lenses rather than stew in fleshly offended lenses. This is the conclusions brought about through seeking Biblical Truths and godly counsel.

An offense is NOT feeling hurt when expressing and confronting a wrong. Bringing Light to, addressing, and correcting a wrong does NOT mean a person is offended

Leaders should not only bring correction in the form of confronting a wrong – but also learn to accept correction. A leader should not convince the person addressing a wrong that they are offended because they are mentioning or speaking about it as the intent is to 'clear the air', restoring unity. Niether should this become an opportunity for turning the tables and using intimidaion or manipulation to keep someone from confronting a wrong. Those we lead should be encouraged to settle conflicts, confront wrongs, and work out issues without hinderances, and with open communication that provdes the security necessary to reveal even the most sensitive of issues.

What another chooses to do can only be an offense if you leave it there. Addressing the matter removes the block from one’s path. AND it is Biblically sound. Both Matthew 5:23-24 and 18:15-17 share how to handle such matter from both perspectives.

The following is indeed lessons of learning for me that stemmed from that very circumstance. Now that the revelation has come, I get to learn to walk it out in my life. That is the process…..

“Something is not quite settled.”

I understand that no one likes correction, but it is our #1 defense against forming habitual patterns of unhealthy behaviors, deceptions, and secret sins. Yet when corrected – we dance around accountability… Unfortunately, accepting correction seems to be a greater battle for many of us in a teaching role – be it parenting, coaching, mentoring, counseling, pastoral, etc. – if the correction is delivered through someone we “serve”.

Its hard to hear we have done wrong…”for we are the teachers of the LAW!”....so our pride kicks in.

Oh – it may not sound that way. It could be “I’m the parent” (to be transparent, I struggle with that one ALOT!) Or it could be from a church leader “You’re offended, well you better handle that!”

Yet often as leaders, when we are presented with hard Biblical TRUTH regarding OUR conduct – well…. A part of us (the fleshy pride) rears up.

Our position in a person’s life is what God designed – not manmade. Romans 13 However, the titles we give ourselves or are ‘appointed’ by man to give some unwarranted or undeserved power or authority in life that surmounts our actuality, we become puffed up in our own minds.

Our heart postures should remain towards our Creator first. Next is to be teachable. This is of vital import. The greater the God-given mantle of authority, the more teachable and sensitive to godly correction one must become. It is in the correction that the lesson is provided for those we serve. Let us not forget that the greater the mantle of authority God places on you, the greater the position obligates more depth and consistency of service and discipleship to the Word of Truth and Grace. This is necessary to lead others, by first serving the Word as the leader fearlessly leads the way.

This can be accomplished by way of an honest evaluation of self regularly – ie motive, heart posture, and action – as we gaze into the perfect mirror of the Word. It is this self that we submit, that naked, raw, real, and authentic self to become molded into the one in Whose Image we are created.

Our desire should remain on living for an audience of One with the balanced perspective that this is the Way we follow and also the direction we lead. Let not the mantle of authority become our own stumbling blocks to growth and Purpose.

Remove pride and allow Abba to bring correction. Even when it is coming out of someone we are committed to serving through leading.

Even when it comes from the mouth of the seemingly uneducated.

Even when it come out of the belly of the whale.

Even when it come out of the mouth of a child.

Even when it comes out of the mouth of a donkey.

The Truth will always OFFEND the lies that bind.

Emotions are part of expression. They often move us – This is the path to the discovering of the “how to manage” part of giving and receiving correction without dishonoring or without selfish intents or motives.

The Truth Sets Free!

It is about dominion! Taking authority over enemy territory, which is your promised land.

Your Canaan awaits, Your Goliath stands before you!

What do you do? Do you give him a ‘love sandwich’?

Do you play patty cake and ask nicely about his threats? Do you compliment him?

Then tell him not to ‘be mean and stop bullying”?

NO! You Speak Truth!

You come against the enemy of God like fire raining on Mt. Carmel! Hit that Goliath right between the eyes! Then CUT HIS HEAD OFF!

Patterns of ungodly behaviors, mindsets, and cyclic struggles are strongholds that need to be TORN DOWN!

Hard Truth paired with Ridiculous Grace!

The Songs only came when Goliath laid slain!

A person bringing Biblical Truth, this is not an offended person – though sometimes it is Hard to hear Truth. These Truth bearers are messengers entrusted to Delivering the Word – His Truth. A part of His Body – Sent One

If your feelings are lying to you, they should get hurt! As long as your emotions are tied to the lie/stronghold/façade you will struggle to accept the Truth. There are Eternal consequences for denying Truth.

Truth MUST come first – Feelings do matter but not at the expense of Truth. Stop coddling feelings/emotions and allowing Satan to maintain Dominion over your freedom, your promised land.

WAKE UP! From the stronghold of your “feelings”.

This is a call to return to your first Love!

He is Truth!

He is our Mirror…. Gaze into the Perfect Word of Truth and be Free!