More Like Him - Wednesday
Today’s Verse
Proverbs 15:31-32
If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. (NLT)
Feedback. Anyone who has spent time with a sound system either singing, speaking, or operating it knows that feedback is not good. It requires skill to eliminate it and, even better, avoid it. There’s another kind of feedback that many of us try equally hard to avoid: Constructive criticism. For some, receiving feedback can feel like an attack, judgement, or having competency questioned. At least, that’s the way I’ve viewed it at times over the years.
I quickly learned about constructive feedback when I first started working. I had aspirations of a career in broadcasting so I started a job at a local radio station. I obviously had a lot to learn, and any mistakes I made could potentially be heard by thousands of people listening to the station at any given time. We were required to submit “airchecks” to the program director, who would listen to a recording of our time on the air and provide evaluation. I never looked forward to it! But that input did end up helping me improve and learn the business. I’ve found that if my initial reaction to constructive criticism is filtered through my emotions, I get defensive. But if the reaction is considered with careful thought, I can learn and move forward.
Feedback for the purpose of work is one thing, but it’s also essential if we’re going to grow in our faith. Proverbs 12:15 says, “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” I’m grateful to have Godly friends who know me well. I listen to them because I trust their maturity, motives, and I know they want what’s best for me. I see their offering of constructive counsel as an act of love.
REFLECTION
Is there someone in your life who can provide feedback about your walk with Jesus? Are you willing to listen humbly?
