Greg DePriest, my pastor, recently stated this quote: “I’ve
learned to value people over being right. When self has to be right, it becomes
self-righteous.” God has called us to leadership. Our work ethic and drive
should be markedly different than someone who is not a Christian. It should be
in our very nature to want to excel in all that we do because we are
representatives of the One Most High.
However, when we
strive to excel in life or perform our best, our idea of how we need to tackle
a project, problem or task shouldn’t be the lone voice that we listen to. Over achievers want to do things right the
first time, on their own. We don’t want
to ‘need’ the input of others to be successful.
It’s okay for us to ask advice, but unwanted advice should be left
unsaid. Living in the façade that we are
perfect is a better choice than taking unwanted advice that speaks truth and
wisdom and reveals the reality that we need help.
When this
happens, our first response is to react defensively. We immediately reject, justify and counter
attack. When we react this way, we are
choosing to reject a vital means by which God imparts wisdom. God uses other people to grow us in
invaluable ways. Sometimes, it’s not even about the project that we’re working
on. It’s about valuing the insight of others. It’s about living with humility
and accepting the knowledge and wisdom of those around you. I once heard Jenni Catron say it very wisely: "We are so busy doing our work that we forget
that we are God’s work." The next time someone offers you unwanted
advice. Stop. Focus on not verbally reacting.
Listen and analyze the information. Is there any truth to what they are
saying? Respond with humility. Value
their insight and thank God for the opportunity to grow.
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