Maybe it’s this way with every person, but I’m one of those people who hates getting told when I’ve done wrong. I hate being corrected, I hate being checked up on, I hate being “advised.” Rarely do I willingly accept and welcome personal criticism or critique. It just completely rubs me the wrong way, and if I let it, it can totally ruin my demeanor.
But isn’t it funny how I hate a thing I most desperately need?
I am so flawed, dear readers. I am petty and selfish, my own interests come first, and no matter how hard I try, harsh words fly from my lips as though I’m a walking dictionary of sarcastic phrases. I’m lazy and a procrastinator, my vanity runs rampant, and I forget everything that doesn’t seem important to me.
But how can I ever hope to improve if I’m not willing to be corrected? I’m willing to admit I need correction, but I’m not willing to accept it. God wants to help me improve, and He has put several people in my life that He uses to guide me. But I fight them. I’m fine. I don’t need help. There’s nothing wrong with how I do things.
I’ve recently been doing a study called The Mind of Christ. One of the characteristics of a Christ-like mind is “lowly.” That word struck me hard. Lowly. Humble. Meek. My heart sunk when I realized I am far from lowly. But in order to correct these faults that daily taunt me with their fierceness, I must humble myself and be willing to receive the discipline and instruction only God can give. If I don’t, I will never change.
“ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
I am flawed, dear readers. But I serve a flawless God. And only with His help can this selfish, stubborn girl become the serving, lowly follower of Christ she so desperately needs to be.
If you’re struggling with this as well, let me know and as I walk this journey, I will keep you in my prayers as you walk it, too.
(Happy first day of February, everyone. Love you.)
country girl
I read the title, saw the picture of your hair, and thought this post was going to be about you getting a haircut.
It wasn’t, but it really was a lovely post. praying for you Petie<3
Petie, this really hit home. Something I’ve been struggling with for the past several weeks. But, you know what? There is such peace in laying our flaws in God’s hands and trusting Him to give us victory. Because we are so very weak and cannot handle them on our own.
You’ll be in my prayers.
Amen sister. We all have our battles, but the good news is that Christ has already won the victory.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”~ 2 Corinthians 5:17
I’m struggling as well, but as the Bible says, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” {Philippians 1:21} Thank-you for posting, Petie.
Praying,
Nela
Great post, girly! Very true.
“Criticism” is not something you should even consider worrying about. Anyone who criticizes you, rather than giving you nurturing constructive advice probably has nothing to say you need to hear anyway. As for your faults; you don’t have any faults that haven’t already been dealt with and paid for in advance. You simply need to go forward and do the best you can with what you have. Victory is never a quick process but rather, a series of successful battle engagements. You’ll never win all of your battles. The most you can hope for is to win the war, which is to win most of the battles. The path we leave behind is what defines us, as a legacy or a curse. You, my dear young lady, are definitely a blessing and a wonderful example for the rest of us to follow. Just don’t sell yourself short. You’re a talented and brave young writer who is on the fast-track to a successful career in writing. You’re not afraid to put yourself out there; a rare quality even in adults. Sure you have questions; who doesn’t. Even Jesus had a question just before he died on the cross. Questions are never bad. Only some answers are bad. Questions indicate a willingness to learn and learning is never a bad thing, so rejoice. Take it from the rest of us; you who are so young, are truly an inspiration as well as a tough act to follow.
AMEN AMEN AMEN. this was soooooo good and I needed to read this! I’ve been reading (well, actually re-reading) a book called the Calvary Road. oh.my.gosh. it kills. it is soooo convicting, but really really good. it talks about being lowly and humble and completely empty of ourselves. none of which I am. hahaha, but no, seriously this post was just what I needed to read this morning. God’s amazing.
love you!
Thank you for your honesty Petie. It’s so easy to admit to ourselves that we aren’t perfect, and only slightly harder to admit it to others. But others telling us we aren’t perfect? That can hurt – even though it often comes out of great love for us. And changing the things about us that aren’t perfect? That’s something we will never be able to do on our own. Isn’t it amazing that the person whose perfection we try to model ourselves on is the one who will walk beside us the whole time, and it’s through his strength and grace alone that we can become anything other than our selfish, imperfect selves.
Oh my goodness, everything, literally everything you said about yourself describes me perfectly. I’m lazy and procrastinate too much, and can not take criticism AT ALL. I know exactly what you’re going through. I’ll be praying for you Petie!
I’m finding it really encouraging to see many people starting to wake up and realize how flawless and imperfect they are–and sharing it to the world. Because that seriously hurts and takes a whole lot of humility! We are all so far from perfect (what you’ve just written about sounds so much like me as well), but it’s quite a blessing to actually strive to act like Yeshua, or Christ, did and would…and see others do the same. You are wonderful and loved, Petie, even if you are who you are! *hugs*
Yes, me too! Instead of making new year resolutions, I decided to try to grow in humility. I feel like I’ve been resolving this every year since I got saved.
So thankful for Jesus who has already taken God’s wrath for our pride!
Totally get it. I tend to resist criticism at first without examining whether it’s true or not. I tend to assume “I’m fine” without checking to see if I really am.
This is so encouraging, Petie. Thanks for being so honest. Love you sweet friend!
I struggle with wanting to be “right” all the time, so being corrected can be a struggle for me as well…
Love ya!
-mal
You are not aloooone, I will hold your hand.. Heard that song? It’s true. I will virtually!
I’m here for you anytime! xoxoxoxooo
Correction is never easy to take but we are wise to listen. Proverbs makes sure to remind us frequently of that!
Have a great week!
Oh this is something I struggle with too. This was very encouraging to read. I AM flawed, and Jesus is the only one who can change me. I want to seek to be willing to receive correction, and not give in to putting myself down or having a pity party for myself when I am corrected. Humility is what I want to strive for. Thank you for writing this post, Petie!
Blessings!
~Madi
Petie, thank you so much for sharing this! I’ve been struggling with the same problem for a long time, but I suppose I’ve only just begun to realize it these past couple of weeks. I’ll keep you in my prayers. Happy Sunday!
thank you for this. xo
I know I’m dreadfully late with my comment (I’ve made a decision to break my no-comment habit and comment away whenever possible) but I’m still going to make it…
This is an area in my life that I really help with…when people (usually my family) offer advice, I snap back at them and lash out. I feel terrible afterward but the same pride that makes me say things like that, often keeps me from making an apology. With God’s help, I’m trying to overcome my problem even if it means biting my tongue and not saying *anything* in response.
So, I just want to say, thanks for this post
This, (sadley) highley applied to me. I do those same things on a daily to weekly baisis…it realy helped me realize what my problem was, but also one thing I dont usually get from blogs.How to solve the problem im having.Thank you Sooo much petie.