Say What?

How do you respond to criticism?

I have been learning this lesson for the last few months. In many different areas I have experienced welcomed criticism and not so welcomed criticism. You learn a lot about yourself when someone throws up in your face. They spout their thoughts about everything you do and don't do and expect you to just take it.

I'm not the kind of person that takes it well. I find myself wanting to be defensive and explain the why of everything pointed out. Usually the person who just threw up on me doesn't care. It almost seems that they start to walk away before they even finish.

The best is when someone will send you an anonymous letter. I just find it so funny how someone in the "body" of Christ will send a letter telling you that you do everything wrong and you need to change it but they won't sign their name. My Pastor has a great rule. Any letter or even email that does not have a signed name on it we trash it. I am going to start a poll and see how my readers want me to destroy these letters. I think that would be fun!

Anyways, you see what you are made of when you experience this. What foundation are you standing on? The one you think is so strong (talent, ability, creativity, uniqueness, connections) will crumble and wash away. Only standing on Christ will we continue to see the Kingdom of God established here on earth.
I have had a inner struggle the last few months. Part of me wants to run. Not just walk, but run. Run like Forrest till I can't anymore.
The other part wants to grow. I know I go through things to file down my sharpness. I know God's hand is on me and I don't want to move myself. The only moving that's going to happen is by the Spirit of God. I know so many guys who leave when it starts getting hot.

What legacy are you leaving by every decision and move you are making?