Do Not Be Oversensitive However, while we must be receptive to correction—eager to repent and change and grow—we must not become fearful and constantly afraid of every potential criticism. We must remember the often-overlooked principle that God does not want us to be oversensitive to correction. Consider this priceless counsel: “Also do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. For many times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others” (Ecclesiastes 7:21–22). Solomon is reminding us of a common fact of human nature—a fact that should help us be much more merciful toward others, if we understand it. If people say something hurtful about you, consider forgiving them—just as you would want their forgiveness if they heard every unkind word you might have said (or thought) about them! As Christians, we understand how much we need God’s mercy and lovingkindness. This should motivate us to avoid “getting offended” by someone else’s words. Being “teachable” does not mean cowering at every unkind word you may hear from a parent or a peer. It means being honest with yourself, about yourself. It means desiring to become the person God wants you to be—even if it requires sometimes-painful change. God possesses perfect, holy and righteous character—no one and nothing even remotely compares to Him and His magnificence. And yet He wants to develop His very character in you! But He can only develop His character in those who are humble and receptive to correction. “For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones’” (Isaiah 57:15). He confirms this when He states, “…But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2). Ultimately, only those who remain teachable will enter the Kingdom of God. So, learn to value correction, and grow from it! The rewards are certainly worth it: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6)!
Posted on: Wed, 02 Oct 2013 08:08:18 +0000
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