Insecurity

…rebuke the wise and they will love you….(Proverbs 9:8)

I used to be terrified of criticism. I was so insecure that even the tiniest bit of it, done in love was immensely crushing. I’m not sure why that was, I suppose I believed a lie at some point in my life that feared not measuring up. Not looking good enough. I had to be perfect, because anything less just wasn’t acceptable.

But now that I have been broken, I don’t want to be perfect, I simply want to be human, admit my mistakes, welcome correction and be the aroma of Christ to people I encounter. Friend, I think others can relate with another person simply trying to be human, admitting their shortcomings and weaknesses. I think they have an extremely difficult time relating with someone who’s trying to be perfect.

I certainly don’t want to short change the cross of Christ, but I do so when I try to come across as having my life all together. When we can get to a point where we welcome criticism and receive it as a gift and not something to be put off by, I think we can finally start to grow. Pay attention to the story you tell yourself when someone offers a word of correction and be willing to humble yourself and listen with ears that truly do want to receive the grace of God for your life. I’ll be doing the same.

Lord, forgive me, my sins are many. I need your grace and your goodness in my life to be poured out. I want to worship you with my whole self. I surrender to you to do that now, in Jesus name, Amen.