LISTENING TO GOD
2 Timothy 4:1-4
2 Timothy 4:4: “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
How people respond to criticism shows how mature (or adult) they’ve grown up so far. Mental and emotional maturation has little to do with one’s age. This has nothing to do with physical development either. Criticism hurts. No one enjoys being corrected. But how we accept admonition shows willingness to listen to God.
One vacation at the seashore, I got into trouble. Playing too near to the pier that jutted out into the ocean, I got a lifeguard’s attention. He blew his whistle and yelled at me to get away from the pier. Me? I’m a good swimmer. I thought, defending myself, and played some more.
I wasn’t listening.
The lifeguard’s insistent whistling and yelling came so close that I saw—and felt—his angry eyes boring into me. Yikes, he Is yelling at me! I finally admitted. Defending myself wasn’t an option.
I almost lost my head—what Apostle Paul warned Timothy against in the opening Scripture. I didn’t realize the danger I was approaching—all the while defending myself as a good swimmer.
This was my first lesson in learning to listen. It wasn’t my last.
Two letters Paul wrote to Timothy teach pastors correct behavior. Paul also understood that regular people don’t react well to criticism. But how we respond to discipline is a good indication of where we are in our faith.
Proverbs 15:31-32 advises, “He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.” Every time we’re criticized, we decide how to react. Hopefully, our reaction to criticism grows up too.
May we never reject good advice—even if it comes from a critic. May we never close our ears to the truth—even if it’s hard to hear. May we never defend ourselves when reprimanded…but embrace it as a tool to grow into someone better. God speaks to His kids many different ways.
Let’s be ready to listen.
God can speak through young and immature believers to make a good point. Sometimes evil people offer sound advice. Maybe even an enemy has something valuable to suggest.
Let’s not allow our pride to shut out the counsel of God—whatever shape it may take.
Take Home Nugget
The lesson linked below shows God speaking through a donkey. Check it out to see if Balaam finally stopped beating her.
Let’s be ready to listen to God however, whenever He speaks.
Listening to Your Spirit, Lord takes concentration. May I never stop listening to You through another!
J.D. Griffith
Written for http://www.Biblestudyforkids.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment