Sometimes You've
Got to Rebuke
September 22, 2003
Sometimes an exhortation may take the form of a
chisel that chips off a rough edge. While the process is
painful, it may be necessary. That's why the Apostle Paul urged
Timothy to not only "correct" and "encourage" but to "rebuke" as
well. Occasionally a rebuke is the most loving thing a leader
can give, even though the word refers to a stern and sharp
correction or reprimand.
In his book, The Management Methods of Jesus, Bob
Briner notes that the word rebuke is an archaic term that we
don't hear very often. However, there are occasions when an
old-fashioned rebuke should be the action of choice. But we need
to exercise wisdom so that our words build up rather than tear
down.
I find it fascinating that none of the disciples
Jesus rebuked ever left him. In fact, even Peter, to whom Jesus
said, "Get behind me, Satan!" (Matt. 16:23) stuck with him.
Those disciples Jesus most harshly rebuked experienced the
greatest growth and success.
Yet, Jesus didn't walk around with his finger on the hairline
trigger of a loaded verbal gun, ready to fire rebukes at anyone
and everyone. On the contrary, he first built the kind of
relationship with his disciples that prepared them to profit
from a stern rebuke. We must be sure we've invested enough time
and effort in a relationship so a rebuke will prove beneficial.
In fact, I only rebuke those I care the most about. And then I
only rebuke after much prayer and thought. I want to be sure my
motive is to help, not hurt the recipient of my words.
Remember, exhortations arrive in all sorts of
packages. Occasionally, as Jesus showed, they may be wrapped in
a rebuke.
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