Holy Grit — Handling Criticism with Humility - Monday
Today’s Verse
Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (NIV)
In 2010, when I first started working at Southland, my job was to oversee the children’s curriculum and weekend programs. I desperately wanted to prove that I could do the job I was hired for, so I worked really hard to come up with the coolest, most creative ideas. One of those “really great” ideas was to do an entire series with a magic theme. Our teachers would start the lesson with a magic trick and then transition into the lesson. I had grand ideas of using a revolving wall, smoke, and fire. Needless to say, the idea didn’t make it far before it was shot down. It hurt. And because I desperately wanted people to like my ideas, it hurt a lot more than it realistically should have.
Thankfully, God has helped me let go of my people-pleasing tendencies. (Don’t get me wrong, I still have moments.) Ultimately, my self-worth was defined by what other people thought of me. Or, more accurately, what I thought people thought of me. It’s a miserable way to live. And more crucially, it's a life that aims to please people instead of God.
Criticism is a part of life. We can’t avoid it. Sometimes, it’s healthy and aims to help us improve and grow. Sometimes, the intention behind it is to hurt and discourage. What we always need to remember is who we should be living for and trying to please.
So next time you decide to fulfill your childhood dreams of being a stage magician and it gets shot down, don’t take it personally. God still loves you. He still longs to have a relationship with you. And no amount of dumb ideas is going to change His mind.
REFLECTION
In your daily life, who are you trying to please? Is it your boss? Is it your spouse? Your children? If it’s anyone other than God, it’s time to let go of your people-pleasing tendencies. Take some time to give that over to God and ask Him to show you how to live for Him alone.