Every kid I’ve ever seen using a hammer for the first time does the same thing. If you’ve ever seen a young kid using a hammer for the first time, you’ve no doubt thought, “There HAS to be a better way.” And you’d be right. There is!
Before we learn today’s lesson from the hammer, welcome to “Mornings with Bishop Robert” — thanks for joining me. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! If our time together today speaks to your heart, then let me invite you to like, subscribe and share it with a friend! Today we’ll hammer home some truths that will help you, so grab a cup and lift it up as we jump in.
Kids learning to use a hammer ALWAYS want to hold the handle with their hand very close to the head of the hammer. They feel like they have more control over it that way. They THINK it makes it easier to use. They are wrong.
There may be a more socially sensitive way to put it. But it won’t change anything. They are still wrong.
Today’s verse says TO LEARN, YOU MUST LOVE DISCIPLINE. IT IS STUPID TO HATE CORRECTION
It is stupid to keep using a hammer that way … IF someone shows you the right way. “STUPID” is not a condition, it is a deliberate choice to disregard wisdom. The word “dumb” might accurately refer either to someone who is unable to speak, or to someone with limited intelligence. But the word “stupid” is neither of those things.
Your parents may have taught you that it is not kind to call someone stupid. They were right. The bible doesn’t say “you are stupid if you hate correction,” it says IT IS STUPID to do so. Note the difference, because it is an important one. We can CHOOSE to change our choices, and how we choose to react is one of them.
So, how DO you learn to use a hammer properly? Perhaps the best way is to watch how an expert uses it and follow their example. You’ve never seen an experienced carpenter building a house by holding a hammer next to the head and driving nails with small taps. It takes time and practice to learn the proper method, and to develop the necessary strength. No one learns to properly use a hammer without time and practice. But you sure can learn a great deal working with a skilled carpenter … IF you choose to listen carefully and follow the corrective instruction.
Learn to love discipline. Decide to embrace correction willingly, and benefit from it. It may take some time and practice, but I guarantee you that it will be very worthwhile in the long run. It is stupid to hate correction. Really, it is. It is also stupid to insist that the wrong way is better simply because it seems easier right now. It is beyond stupid to call the wrong way the right way, it is destructive.
However, accepting the advice of a world-class expert will dramatically increase your skill, your capabilities and your performance.
To that end, I’d like to introduce you to this Jewish carpenter I know …….
