Be Open...

How do you handle correction? By taking offense? By hearing it asrejection? By getting defensive? All of us need people who'll be honest with us because we're easily blinded by our egos. When God sends somebody to correct you it is because He loves you. He only does that to those He values. Listen: 'If you are not disciplined...then you are illegitimate children and not true sons' (Hebrews 12:8 NIV). Check your credentials! So, how do you handle correction? By killing the messenger? By making sure he or she never gets to you again? By keeping score and saying, 'Look what I've accomplished; what have you accomplished?' By giving in to self-pity and saying, 'People do not understand or appreciate me?' Your mind needs to be sharpened constantly, so stay open to those whom God sends to do it. Accountable people always exhibit four qualities: 1) vulnerability - they are capable of knowing when they are wrong and admitting it - even before they are confronted; 2) teachability - they are willing to hear, quick to learn and always open to counsel; 3) availability - they are accessible.They do not avoid you; 4) honesty - they hate anything phoney and are committed to the truth regardless of how much it hurts. 'That is a high standard, ' you say. You are right. It is a standard pride cannot handle and fragile egos won't tolerate. There's something in each of us that would rather look good than be good. So when God sends people into your life who love you enough to tell you the truth - try to be more open.