One very important yet largely neglected way in which we can redirect our focus from other people’s weakness to ourselves and what needs to be corrected is taking genuine feedback.
I find that the human nature is such that even when people ask for feedback, something on their inside is more interested in hearing; the positive impact their actions have on others (Not like this is bad).
However, if we must be a people who are truly growing in God, we must be open to sincere feedbacks especially; the ones not singing our praises.
At least more than once in my life, I have found myself in environments where; once feedbacks are asked for, little is expected to be spoken about what ever has an air of ambiquity around it.
You might find it surprising that one of the differences between David and Saul was how they handled feedback. At one time, Saul had messed up. And when Prophet Samuel gave God’s verdict on the matter, Saul did not necessarily take any step to seek redress. I find this posture troubling because I believe that; growing up he must have learnt that the God of their fathers is merciful.
David on the other hand understood this; which was why he was quick to bury his head in shame and ask for mercy when Prophet Nathan showed up at his doorstep to give God’s verdict for the heinous acts he had committed. I believe we know how the story ended because God later went on to say; “David is a man after my heart”.
Suffice to mention that; there are countless ways Nathan’s feedback could have gone bad because David was King. And although God had sent Prophet Nathan to David, David could easily have given an order that Nathan’s head be separated from his body; but we all know he didn’t.
In the same vein, we must trust God for grace to be humble enough to look within, and remember that none of God’s children ever outgrows growth. Especially with respect to character, how we deal with God and how we deal with the people we interface with on a daily basis.
It is my prayer that we would do whatever it takes to comply to God’s fine-tuning process irrespective of the vessel He uses in Jesus name.
The End.
Scriptural References: I Samuel 13:1-15; II Samuel 12:1-15
Please Say These Words of Prayer by Faith: Father, help me not to be so full of myself that I neglect the fact that; there is room for improvement in You, in Jesus name.
©️Victor Ogungbe 2021