Admonish One Another

Howard Hendricks tells the story in Footprints of a young man studying to be a minister. He was very talented, but was “riding rather than building on his background.” Toward the end of school year a caring professor called him into his office.

“Bill, I’m disappointed in you,” the professor kindly said.

“Really, Prof, why?”

“Well,” the professor continued, “I could be wrong but my evaluation of you is this: you are a ten-cylinder man operating on about three, and comparing yourself with others who have only two.”

Hendricks says “the atmosphere electrified.” Bill left upset and angry. He felt the professor misunderstood. But when he cooled off and really looked at himself honestly, He thought, “Maybe the Prof is right. Could it be that he’s the only man who loves me enough to tell it like it is?” In time Bill realized the assessment was accurate and the admonition was appropriate.

Some years later the professor received a letter from Bill thanking him for caring enough to warn him of his lax ways and bring him face to face with reality.

This story points out the power and purpose of scriptural admonition. It also underscores the reason why it is sometimes so difficult to do. But, as brothers and sisters who are devoted to one another, who care for one another, and who really want to edify one another, it is imperative that we learn to admonish one another.

“Admonish one another,” is just one of the 59 “one another” commands found in the New Testament, but it may be one of the more difficult commands to properly apply.

In Romans 15:4, Paul encouraged the brethren to practice scriptural admonishment. “Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.”

The word “admonish” literally means “a putting in mind.” It has to do with both warning and instruction. It is the same word as used in Ephesians 6:4 regarding fathers bringing up their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” In other words, there are some things that you need to put in their minds to both train and warn them.

Mr. Vine in his dictionary says admonition, is “the training by word,” whether of encouragement, or, if necessary, by reproof or remonstrance.”

However, as Steve Dewhirst once wrote in Christianity Magazine “admonition is not a railing diatribe; reality would not permit such. Biblical admonition is the simple act of talking to a fellow disciple about a spiritual weakness in his life. It’s to be done in gentleness and humility.”

In his study on the “Christian Community”, author Gary DeLashmutt, observes that admonishment “addresses actions and attitudes and even beliefs.” He continues by saying, “like encouragement it seeks to express God’s love by communicating his truth to meet an important need. But unlike encouragement, which seeks to strengthen those under pressure through no fault of their own, admonition seeks to correct those who are damaging themselves and others by their wrong moral choices. Biblical admonition is moral correction through verbal confrontation motivated by genuine love.”

Admonishment is the work of the preacher. Paul told the Ephesian elders that while he was at Ephesus he “ did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears” (Ax. 20:31). Several versions translate the word “warn.” Note Paul’s tender spirit. He warned them with tears in his eyes.

Admonishment is the responsibility of Shepherds who guide and guard the flock. To the Thessalonian brethren Paul admonished, “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work” (1 Thess. 5:12-13). An elder’s work involves gently correcting and warning those entrusted to their care. Too often elders limit their work to overseeing the worship, preparing a budget, and making decisions. Yet, their greatest work and responsibility is to “watch for souls” (Heb. 13:17). To help us stay on the “straight and narrow” path, when we may be slipping, neglecting, or flagrantly disobeying God’s Word.

As previously noted, parents must admonish their children. In a wicked world there is much to capture their attention that appeals to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Evil companions, misplaced priorities, unwholesome entertainment, and materialistic allurements all present a danger to today’s youth. Parents must step up to guide their children, warning them of worldly dangers and admonishing them to walk in the way of the Lord.

Collectively, we have an opportunity to admonish fellow Christians in our worship services. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16). When you sing, reflect on the lyrics and sing with passion and meaning. Good singing not only encourages us, but offers admonishment in the thoughts of the songs. Consider these hymns.

• “To the work.”
• “Take Time to Be Holy.”
• “I Surrender All.”
• “Is Thy Heart Right with God?”
• “Live for Jesus.”
• “Where He Leads I Will Follow.”
• “For You I Am Praying.”
• “Seek Ye First.”
• “Count Your Blessings.”
• “Yield Not to Temptation.”
• “Did You Think to Pray?”
• “Soldiers of Christ, Arise”
• “Take the Name of Jesus with You.”

Finally, one of the most difficult areas of admonishment is privately in one to one situations, where we see a brother or sister “overtaken in a trespass.” The spiritually minded are commanded to seek their restoration with an attitude of humility and gentleness (Gal. 6:1-2).

Of course, there is the responsibility of the one being admonished to receive it with the right spirit. As Shakespeare wrote, “Better a little chiding than a great deal of heartbreak.”

“Admonish one another”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman