INCORRIGIBLE | Word of the Day | December 13, 2024

Summary

This reflection explores the concept of 'incorrigibility,' drawing from the Gospel to discuss how some people reject the opportunity for personal growth or transformation. It contrasts the Pharisees' refusal to change with the message of humility, repentance, and openness to Christ. The speaker highlights the need for self-examination, urging listeners to prepare their hearts for Advent and the coming of Christ, which brings true change. The sermon calls for a rejection of 'character assassination' and encourages accepting correction, embracing change, and preparing spiritually for Christmas through humility and repentance.

Takeaways

• 😀 People who are incorrigible refuse to change or accept correction. They are fixated on their own ways and do not allow room for improvement.
• 😀 The message of the gospel highlights how people in Jesus' time, particularly the Pharisees and scribes, rejected truth and correction, instead choosing to attack those who brought change.
• 😀 The word of the day is 'incorrigible,' referring to individuals who refuse to accept change or transformation, despite being presented with opportunities to do so.
• 😀 People who are incorrigible reject both discipline and the truth, choosing to preserve their status quo instead of embracing change that leads to improvement.
• 😀 Character assassination is a key behavior exhibited by those who refuse to accept correction. They attack the messenger instead of considering the message.
• 😀 Jesus' interaction with the Pharisees and scribes serves as an example of how some individuals reject the truth because they believe they are already 'correct' and do not need change.
• 😀 The passage underscores the importance of openness to correction and change, especially in the context of preparing for the coming of Jesus during Advent.
• 😀 During Advent, we are called to open our hearts, accept the changes that Jesus brings, and prepare for His arrival through repentance and transformation.
• 😀 The refusal to change or accept correction leads to a stagnation in one's spiritual growth. The message emphasizes the importance of humility and the willingness to evolve.
• 😀 The celebration of Christmas is not just about the birth of Jesus but about the transformation He brings into our lives. True change occurs when we open ourselves to Jesus' presence.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the script?

The main theme of the script is about personal transformation and the acceptance of change through faith, particularly in the context of Advent and the teachings of Jesus Christ. It highlights the danger of being 'incorrigible,' where people resist change, and contrasts it with the message of openness and repentance.

What does the term 'incorrigible' mean in the context of the script?

'Incorrigible' refers to individuals who are resistant to change or correction, refusing to improve or accept guidance. In the script, it is used to describe people who reject transformation and are fixed in their ways, often dismissing the truth and attacking those who bring it.

How does the script relate to the behavior of the Pharisees and scribes?

The script compares the behavior of people in the present time to the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus' time. These religious leaders were knowledgeable about the law but were unwilling to accept Jesus’ teachings because they believed they were already 'perfect' and saw no need for change or repentance.

What biblical references are cited in the script?

The script cites a passage from the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus compares the people of His time to children who are unsatisfied with any type of play or song. He uses this analogy to show that no matter how the truth is presented, people will often reject it if it doesn't align with their own views.

What is the significance of Advent in this context?

Advent is presented as a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus, symbolizing the opportunity for change and spiritual renewal. The script encourages people to open their hearts to transformation during this season, through repentance and humility, in order to welcome Jesus and experience true change in their lives.

What is the danger of rejecting change, according to the script?

Rejecting change is portrayed as spiritually harmful because it leads to a hardened heart and an inability to accept the truth. This is akin to character assassination, where instead of accepting correction, individuals attack those who challenge their worldview or actions.

How does the script define the proper attitude toward correction?

The script defines the proper attitude toward correction as one of openness and humility. It urges individuals to accept when they are corrected and not react with anger or disdain, but rather embrace the opportunity for personal growth and spiritual transformation.

What is the message regarding character assassination?

The message warns against character assassination, a behavior where people attack the reputation of others instead of accepting the truth or making necessary changes. This behavior is seen as destructive and a sign of being incorrigible, as exemplified by the Pharisees and scribes in the time of Jesus.

What is the connection between the rejection of Jesus and the refusal to change?

The script highlights that just as people rejected both John the Baptist and Jesus for their teachings, those who refuse to accept change also reject the transformative message of Christ. The rejection of Jesus is symbolic of a deeper unwillingness to change and repent.

What call to action is made to the audience?

The audience is called to reflect on their own lives and attitudes, especially during the Advent season. The script urges them to be open to change, to accept Jesus into their hearts, and to embrace repentance as a way to prepare for the transformative experience of Christmas.