1 Sep, 2009
Am I Stupid?
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Three people hurt in a growing wildfire in California were burned because they "did not listen" to orders to evacuate, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Sunday after declaring a state of emergency.
"I want to urge everyone living near any of the fires, please, listen and follow evacuation orders from local officials. They will not tell you to evacuate if it's not necessary," he said.
"Listen carefully -- there were again people that did not listen and people that got burned and really badly injured because they did not listen."
Mandatory evacuations were ordered for 6,600 homes threatened by the Station fire, he said. Since it began Wednesday in the Angeles National Forest and La Canada Flintridge area, the blaze has burned 35,200 acres and the U.S. Forest Service has reported a evacuation list of 10,000 homes.
Mary Kohn, who lives in La Canada Flintridge, said the uncertainty of the progression of the fire is "unnerving."
"You think, oh, it's calm, there's just smoke, it's no big deal," she said. "And then you see a big flare and it's scary."
(To view the full story go to www.cnn.com 8/30/09)
Proverbs 12:1 [NIV]
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
What does God's Story teach us about receiving correction?
The lesson is quite simple; God's desire for us is that we would be open to discipline and correction. In today's story we see that there were some Californians who did not listen...and got burned for it...literally! The same can be true in life. We often have the choice to listen to Godly correction and be blessed for it...or not listen and get burned.
There are actually many verses and stories in the Bible that point to this important principle, but Proverbs 12:1 is my favorite simply because of how straight forward it is. If we hate correction we are STUPID! Who wants to be in that category? No one that I know!
The problem is not understanding what God wants us to do. The problem is having the humility that is needed to actually be receptive to other's input and correction. It is easy to think that this verse is meant for "other people" who really need that kind of help. After all, you certainly don't need to heed any warnings...right!?! (If this is your first thought, that is not a good sign...just ask our friends in California!)
Connecting today's story, Gods' Story and my story
So the question is..."Am I stupid?" Let's look at a few questions that may help figure that out.
- When someone corrects me, do I really consider their input or am I quick to defend my opinions or actions?
- Do I obey only in action but not in attitude?
- Do I find myself suffering consequences I could have avoided if I had listened to someone else?
- When someone challenges me on an issue, does it look more like a conversation or an argument?
If the honest answers to these questions leave you worried know that there is still hope for you. You can stop getting burned by your own stubbornness. The place to start is by asking God to give you a humble heart that is open to rebuke and correction.
Connecting today's story, God's Story and my story with my friend's story
- Can you see the wildfires closing in on a friend of yours? Don't hesitate to share any Godly warnings that they may need to hear...but always do this with gentleness and respect.
- Understand that most people are more likely to listen to a humble friend than one who always thinks they know it all. As God grows you in humility, it will not only allow you to listen to words of advice, it will also help others listen to your own words of advice.
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