Restoring The Soul
~ John Piper from "A Godward Life"~
Having an online prescence, and being a Christian Writer opens us up to all kinds of criticism, our hair will never be long enough for some, our baptism will never be good enough for others. Our jeans will offend some, and our skirt length will offend others. Our choice of food will offend some, and our choice of friends--you guessed it--will offend others. The question is are these complaints valid?, and the answer is some of them could be.
I hope that as long as I'm a human, I will never live with the assumption that I have arrived, or that I finally have it all figured out, because I don't. As I grow I'm learning. Learning to listen to the voice of God and learning to let the garbage blow by me. But unless my ultimate goal is the restoration of my soul, I'll never be humble enough to let the constructive critisism mold me and shape me according to His will.
I've learned to say, "Thank you, I'll consider your advice." And then to hold that opinion up against scripture to either validate or invalidate the words. But as a Christian my soul is subject to my Spirit, and unless I walk by that Spirit I'm not walking in faith.
Visit Joy in the Morningto read her post and to find a list of other participants this week.
Labels: In "Other" Words
posted by Darlene @ 2:31 PM
13 Comments:
to hold that opinion up against scripture to either validate or invalidate the words
This is the most important thing of all, thanks for sharing it.
Heather
So very true. I say the same thing, then I go to prayer asking God "was that from you, or should I just forget it."
I'm having a very difficult afternoon and the title of this post is very meaningful to me. I'm trying to focus on blog reading, but it's not going too well. So while my comment has little to do with your post, know that your words offer strength and hope where there is a huge lack of both. And for this, I once again thank you.
I think if people critic us, we ought to listen. But we also have to disern against God's Word. Sometimes people make their own agendas about something that is not clear from Scripture, but in their head it is.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this week's quote. :)
Darlene, I really echo your comment, "I've learned to say, "Thank you, I'll consider your advice."And then to hold that opinion up against scripture to either validate or invalidate the words."
Every time we put our words and thoughts out there, whether it be the written word or relationships, we have to be prepared for another's comments. It is hard, sometimes, to handle the response, but if we do as you suggest, to look to God's word for truth in the situation, we'll be able to walk away with His peace.
Thanks for your tender reminder!
Elisa
www.laundry-alternative.net
Amen, Darlene. You hit the nail on the head once again!
These words resonate in my own heart, "I hope that as long as I'm a human, I will never live with the assumption that I have arrived, or that I finally have it all figured out, because I don't."
I never want to stop learning, growing and changing.
Thanks for sharing this, enjoyed your thoughts.
I had a dream about you last night, for real! I dreamed I came to your site and you had over 2000 comments to one post. I wasn't surprised! Hope your week is going well.
Darlene I needed to be lifted up this morning and you have helped me. I don't turn to the Bible as often as I should when judgment comes into play against me! I have never really looked at it quite like that!
Really thought provoking post. And I like your hair!
This was so good..I have been posting on humility and how God uses things in our lives to humble us-- others criticisms and corrections being one--it is true! May we always be teachable striving for true humility!
But,also,like you stated,Biblical validation is our source for Truth...other's rules can not dictate what is Truth--it has to be Biblical.
Thanks for this! I agree and appreciate your sincerity.
Kim
Amen, and amen. "Living to please men" (or women!) is exhausting and oh-so-impossible. What a great post.
Amen. I feel EXACTLY the same way as you. Although I still have to work through my human emotions and feelings when the criticism comes. :)
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