And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:5–6, NIV

I typically avoid standing around and talking in the teacher’s lounge. I cannot handle the negativity that flows from it.

Then, I had a week! Oh, it was a hard week. So, after bus duty that Friday, I stood around with the other teachers in the lounge and talked for a while. We recounted our days, our frustrations, and our plans. It felt good to let it all out.

Yet, as I left the conversation, before I even stepped through the threshold of my classroom door, I began to feel bad. I knew nothing I said was life-giving. It was not confidential, rude, or mean. It wasn’t even a lie. But it did perpetuate the generational curses that had plagued the family of my student for years.

The truth is, in the world’s eyes, I did nothing wrong. I just let off a little steam with colleagues who understood. Yet, I knew I had sinned. Moreover, I knew the Holy Spirit was rebuking me because of the seed I had just sown.

Proverbs 18:20 tells us,” From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.”

Honestly, I was satisfied while commiserating with my colleagues. Yet the sweet, satisfying honey of complaints turned to vinegar as soon as I was quiet enough to hear the Holy Spirit rebuke me. At that point, I realized what I had done. I repented and asked for God’s help not to make the same mistake again, no matter how bad of a day I have.

Being a Christian isn’t about always being perfect. If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need Jesus. It is about taking His correction when it comes, repenting, and trying to live as He would have us live.

As His children, we must understand we will occasionally be rebuked. Then, we must decide whether to listen to Him or ignore the rebuke and pull away from God. The choice is ours.

Father, we pray that You will help each one of us to be a light to others. Help us realize when we are doing something against Your Word, and give us the desire to repent and change our ways. Amen.

Copyright Katina Wetter-Wright.

Katina is a member and an elementary school teacher from Indiana. In addition to teaching, she runs a blog, Reflections of a Believer, and wrote a book, The First 30 Days: A Challenge to Change Your Mind and Revolutionize Your Eternal Destiny.