A Strong Upper-Cut
January 22, 2008 3:29 pm Blogs
The sentence that begins with “Yeah, but…” We know it too well. The boxing match of the mouth. How well do you receive criticism? How well do you give it? I was recently in a conversation with someone about this and thought I’d let you in on my thoughts…
Yes, criticism is difficult, there is no way around it…but the reason it is difficult usually comes down to pride. Most of the time we either think we are smarter or more together than we really are, at least we wish we were. And usually we are wanting to trying to impress someone or some group of people. We all want to look good! So criticism is very humbling.
But one who is mature withholds his tongue and one who is wise takes things in and considers them. So often it is very difficult for us to see how we really are or how we really come across, so having someone who will lovingly be straight with you is an incredible gift. The Bible has a lot to say about this, the receiving criticism/reproof (same thing).
Proverbs 6:23 “For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.”
Proverbs 12:1 “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.”
Proverbs 15:11 “The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.”
Psalm 141:5 “Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it.”
2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training in righteousness.”
The way I counsel people and what I strive to practice in my own life is this: First, we are sinful human beings. Knowing that, we are very likely to be in the wrong when there is conflict or distress of any sort. Second, knowing our sinfulness, our response should be to first assume we are guilty and try and see it from another person’s eyes before you begin to point out another’s fault and consider how we might be innocent. So often we jump to justifying and thus never grow from the experience because we conclude we are not at fault. Third, we should be quick to repent (godly sorrow and change in behavior). Mark your experiences so you don’t fall into the same traps.
How strong is your upper-cut? Don’t take cheapshots and instead work on developing a solid chin. Jesus was a master at dodging the cheapshots and delivering a kind word of correction. So many times he would sit down the disciples and telling them what’s up. And then for those who came at him with their “yeah but’s,” he had a mean uppercut awaiting.
- Pastor Duane
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