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Tuesday... This is so hard to do. It really is. But so important.


Tuesday... This is so hard to do. It really is. But so important.

Proverbs 29:1 (NLT) says, "Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery." We always seem to need to be right and in no way should anyone be critical of us. Pride will get us every time. We love to give it but we can't take it.

So how do you handle criticism, how do I handle it? Now put downs are one thing but within criticism there is always a chunk of truth and that is where we need to go. But it takes humility to accept the fact that someone doesn't think we are perfect, doesn't it? We don't want anyone else to see out faults, do we? But how can we grow or mature if we don't see how others see us, especially those that we know really love us and have our best interest at heart?

Now there is also a problem with the one who is always being critical but can't accept it. That too many times come from pride and God hates pride. He really does. But it can also come from a protection situation. That person is doing all they can from being criticized. They live at a level of low self-esteem and that also is not a good thing. God created us and He doesn't make junk. 

The MESSAGE Paraphrase puts it this way, "For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, there'll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it is too late."

And then the NIVR says, "Whoever still won't obey after being warned many times will suddenly be destroyed. Nothing can save them."

Over in Psalm 119:2-8 (NLT) the Psalmist says, "Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. And I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me!"

And that is such a good thing to say to God. But it is also a good thing to say to that person who really loves us and who shares with us those things that we need to change. Please don't give up on me and may that person say the same thing to you. Yes, yes! #todaysbeginning 


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