Accepting criticism is one of the hardest things to do. I think it's because I always think I'm right. I know that might sound weird, but if I didn't think I was right it wouldn't do what I did! As a result, accepting criticism is hard to do because it means that I have to swallow my pride. In ministry this is especially hard because criticism (fair or unfair) is a constant reality. There is always someone with an opinion of what you've done wrong or what you should have done differently. It is so easy to get defnisve or just want to hand it all over to them and let them deal with it. But that is not what God has called me to do.
Having a good filter for what criticism to listen to is so important. Not all criticism is valid and not all criticism should even be listened to, however I know that I am not (and never will be) a perfect person or leader. I need people in my life who are honest enough with me to tell me the truth when I need to do something better or differently.
I think in many ways criticism keeps us humble. It helps us to remember (if we let it) that we are not perfect, but we are serving a perfect God. Since the God we are serving is perfect, who owe it to Him to continue to improve everything we do. My prayer is that I will learn to filter our the criticism that doesn't matter, and that I will learn to grow from the criticism that counts.
Enjoy the Journey
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