Learning and correction are the two key ingredients in growing in knowledge and understanding. Without learning there is no expansion of the truth and without correction, a truth can develop into an untruth over time.
Correction is the rudder that keeps truth on course and without correction many lives have been run aground.
Years ago I worked with a man who was an expert in his field. He had knowledge, education and abilities and was considered exceptional in what he did.
In fact, others in his profession would seek his counsel because of the quality of his work. However, this man had one problem. He would not receive correction. In his mind, his ideas were the best, his solutions were the greatest and he could do no wrong.
I specifically remember one afternoon when he had been working on a project that was not coming together the way it should. Another technician standing nearby meekly suggested a solution. The solution was ignored in rude fashion.
He tried one method and it failed. He tried another method and it failed also. In desperation, he threw a fit, threw his tools, cursed under his breath, yelled and walked away from the project and the project was not completed.
Days later, he found the solution and fixed the problem. Sadly, the solution was the one suggested by the meek technician.
I don’t know if you have ever encountered anyone with this type of personality, but let me say this. In our walk with the Lord and with our daily tasks in the world, unless we can humbly receive correction, we will never attain the level of greatness that God has for us.
When someone will not receive correction on the job or in the church, it is a direct result of pride. God hates pride and God loves humility. Humility will always receive correction in love and pride believes it is never wrong and its way is best.
“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble'” (James 4:6).
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.