For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: - Proverbs 6:23, KJV

We humans are born with the nature to sin (since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden), so we have to learn the ways of obedience; we have to learn the ways of God. However, the reproofs are meant to bring us to a higher quality of life!

Until we learn the wisdom of submitting to God-ordained leadership (and I'm talking to myself), none of us like being told what to do; we want to do what we want to do, when we want to do it, and how we want to do it. 

Our dear kiddos are prime examples. What is the first word most of them learn to say after "Mama" and "Daddy"? It's usually "No!"

So, having learned many hard lessons myself, I am learning more to submit (That's a word that many don't like, and I haven't always like it myself!) to others, even if I don't like it. 

One example of  submitting is that, when I was wide awake at 4:30 this morning, I started listening to God's Word, and then remembered I need to catch up on Spanish study for my class today, so I went to that. After a few minutes, the Holy Spirit gently reminded me that He comes first (and after all, I'm studying Spanish to help people know Him!)

It is easy (or it has been for me, at least, and I'm getting victory on not doing this--or at least capturing wrong thoughts and words quickly, and repenting of them) for most of us to judge and criticize others when we have to follow a rule or otherwise change our plans, and "conform" to what is best for everyone. 

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; - 2 Tim. 3:16, NASB95

(Leaders can abuse authority, of course, but I'm not talking about that. The Holy Spirit is faithful to take away our peace and otherwise alert us in our spirits and souls (mind/will/emotions) that something is wrong--no matter how "successful" a ministry or leader seems; no matter the smile, etc.....And He has helped me more than once realize that what was coming from the pulpit or the manager of a job was not the best for me--and to get out of there.  He's always made a way for me for the next step after that, too! Great is the faithfulness of our dear God!)

He's also given me grace to do very hard things, including submit to His direction to apologize to people who have really hurt me, and even acted totally wrong toward me, more than once! Those submissions were very hard, but God helped me trust that it was the right thing to do, and He has healed my heart and freed my soul, praise the LORD!

You can ask the LORD for Grace to do the hard things, and He will always supply it! Hallelujah! 

...but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.-- 2 Cor. 12:9, AMP

So it is wisdom to agree with the reproofs of the LORD. Thank goodness, we are under the New Covenant, covered by the blood of Jesus (once we have truly repented of our sins to the LORD, and asked His forgiveness and cleansing, and asked Him to become LORD and Savior of our lives!)! While we should never abuse the Grace (for the Holy Spirit Who is God knows whether we are sincere in our repentance), the LORD's mercies are new every morning, and His mercy preceeds His judgment! Praise Him!

For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; but [to the one who has shown mercy] mercy triumphs [[victoriously] over judgment..--James 2:13, AMP

I'm talking about wisdom in following what has been proven to work to protect and guide and benefit and otherwise bless us people; reproofs, or corrections, that range from learning to recognize and avoid what is against God, to "constructive criticism", which is a positive way to say "reproof" or "correction". 

None of us have the whole picture. Even in the leaders in the Body of Christ, the Ecclesia, the true Church, there are differences in opinions about doctrines and the ways of God.

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. - I Cor.  13:12, KJV

This is one of the main reasons that we need to cultivate a deeply personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, Who is God, for He alone knows all things, and knows every detail about our lives, and thus what is the very best for us, His precious child, in every situation. 

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.