I have enjoyed for several years the TV drama NCIS. Mark Harmon does a wonderful job as hard-boiled ex-marine Special Agent Jethro Gibbs. As anyone who follows the show knows, all of his charges (though primarily Tony) have experienced the infamous "Gibbs slap". When someone needs correction, Gibbs administers a sharp cuff to the back of the head.
Its generally a moment of humor on the show for us the viewer, but for the recipient it is correction delivered in a memorable, stinging and slightly embarrassing package.
The irony of the gesture, of course, is that it is also a sign of endearment. While Gibbs often administers his corrective measure to his team, he does not use it on just anyone. Only those closest to him feel the sting of the slap, and only those he truly cares about.
Which brings me to my point. Gibbs is not God, obviously. But in this he shares an important characteristic: he corrects those he loves. God often administers a "Gibbs slap" to his children, sometimes simply to get their attention, other times to drive home a point. It is always, however, administered in love and with a view to correct our behavior and help us to be more like Christ.
We as Christians need to learn to pay attention to these slaps. They are important. Heed their lessons, and not only will we feel them far less often, we will be far better sons to our Heavenly Father. Ignore them, and larger and more unpleasant corrective measures will follow.
Like always, its about the listening. I easily fall into the trap of firing off a prayer to God, usually in the form a of a quick 'thank-you for the day' followed by a laundry list of wants and needs and gripes. Instead, I need to sit, quiet my heart, and dialogue with God. Speak, yes. God wants us to poor out our hearts to Him. He also wants us to listen to his Word and learn to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit within us.
God also desires and requires my attitude be in adjustment. He told Jeremiah "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear..." We often hear this verse in the context of repentance, but I think it applies to every day. The key is humbling ourselves. I need to daily recognize that God is sovereign, I am not, and put my priorities into the proper order.
That's my goal. I have a lot of things that need to be fixed, but it all starts with that first step. Man, is it a doozy...
*SLAP*
