Do not allow your neck to become stiff

“He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Prov. 29:1 NKJ).

One of the best gifts that God gives to preserve us on the road to success is someone who rebukes and corrects us when we go off track. Godly counsel and correction are beautiful jewels around our neck. Readiness to receive correction and turn from wrong is a very godly and precious attribute in the sight of God. The Lord warns us of what He calls a “stiff neck,” which is essentially an unwillingness to receive correction or rebukes.

The book of 2 Chronicles 26 records a really sad story of one of Israel’s most successful kings who ended up a disaster because of a stiff neck. His name is Uzziah. The Bible records that he was exceedingly powerful and successful because God helped him. However, verse 16 records that “when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God” (NKJ). He went in to offer incense in the temple that was not meant for kings, and when the priests wanted to correct him, he got furious and was immediately struck with leprosy. Do not allow your neck to become stiff, especially as the Lord begins to prosper you. The Spirit of the Lord will correct you to save your own life from costly mistakes using the Word or godly people around you. Never allow yourself to reject divine correction or you will be calling for costly mistakes in your own life. Keep your neck always soft!

MEDITATE

What does the scripture above says is the outcome of those who have a stiff neck?

APPLY THE WORD

None of us naturally enjoys correction or rebuke. It initially hurts. The wise receive it; the foolish reject it. Is the Spirit of the Lord bringing to mind something that will need your attention today?

PRAY

Ask the Lord to help you always maintain a receptive spirit to rebuke and correction when you do wrong.

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