Anyone who loves correction loves knowledge. Anyone who hates to be corrected is stupid.
Proverbs 12:1 (NIrV)
Lord Jesus, I’d like to think that I am not stupid. I’d like to think that I am always ready and willing to learn more about myself, the world and You. Truthfully, I imagine myself being a lot brighter often than I think I am. I must confess that when it comes to being called out for mistakes I’ve made, errors in judgement, or just falling short, that it stings, sometimes even hurts, and I can find myself wincing away in pain, licking my wounds.
After reading my devotional this morning my soul is sensitive to my lack of willingness to be called out. I don’t like to be singled out as needing to change something in my life. This propensity exposes areas of my heart where I don’t necessarily love knowledge. But worse, it exposes where I am actually being stupid.
Lord, I thank You today that there is no condemnation for me in You, that no matter what deficiency is exposed in my person it does not disqualify me from being Your child. It is against that reality that I should boldly and confidently approach my failings, knowing that what You expose in me through others, whether intended by them for my good or shame, You intend to use to better me. Therefore, help me not to shy away from conviction. Give me a sensitive spirit that is quick to acknowledge when I am wrong, eager to change my ways, and passionate about pleasing You in all I say and do. Help me to embrace criticism, treating it all like catfish – eating the meat and spitting out the bones. In doing so, I will grow in You, love like You, and one day, be like You. Amen.