Holy Grit — Handling Criticism with Humility - Tuesday
Today’s Verse
Romans 12:3b
…Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment… (NIV)
When I was in Bible college, I had a part-time job at a church in Frankfort. I was the student minister at a church plant. It was exciting and fun, and I worked with some great people. After I had been there about a year, some of my friends at college (who were in a band) asked me if I could play the bass guitar for their upcoming concert. (They had lost a band member and needed someone to fill in for a concert on the schedule.) Of course, I said yes. After the concert was over, they asked me if I wanted to join the band permanently. I jumped at the chance and knew Arianne (my future wife) would be just as excited about it as I was.
I was mistaken. She was not excited. In fact, she couldn’t understand why I would give up my calling to ministry in the local church to go tour with a band I’d only played one concert with. I was angry. I knew I was doing the right thing and she didn’t support me. Thankfully, I sobered up and listened to her wise advice. 26 years later, I can look back at all the ways God has used me in serving the local church.
As a much older (and hopefully wiser) person, I can look back on that season and fully understand what was going on. I got excited at the prospect of being in a band and touring all over the country. I had a taste of it and wanted more. Arianne knew it wasn’t the right decision, but I didn’t listen. I thought it was the right decision and didn’t want anything other than positive reinforcement.
God surrounds us with wise and godly people for just these situations. I believe most of our bad decisions in life could be avoided if we just listened to these people (and thought a little less of our own wisdom). Some of you might be in the middle of a big decision right now. If that’s you, take a moment and pause. Ask God to give you the wisdom to make the right decision and then talk to godly counsel to help you.
I can promise you this: you don’t have all the right answers, even if you think you do. Because one day, you’re going to look back on that band you almost joined and thank God that your future wife helped you make the wise decision.
REFLECTION
What decisions do you have to make in your life right now? Have you given others authority to speak truth over you (without consequence)? Are those people godly people? Take time to lay your decision before God.