Every once in a while I get drawn off track by the opinions of others... I'd like to be able to say that it's only once in a great while, but that would be self deception.
Here's how it works... I hear words of affirmation...or something goes "my way". My ego likes that and begins to twinkle with pleasure. I think I've got my foot on the right path.
Then, sometimes just the next moment... I hear words of criticism or notice something that pricks and stings at my sense of importance or purpose or direction... and my ego's lower lip sticks out. I question my choices and wonder if I have gone way off track.
Notice how many times the word "I" or "my" shows up so far in this posting. There's the rub!
My spiritual director gently (yet firmly) reminds me all the time about the folly of paying attention to the ego's responses to either praise or criticism. Whether puffed or pricked, the ego can work to obscure my understanding of what really matters.
What really matters is the fact that God is the only true source of understanding of how we are meant to be. God forms us and guides us each day in ways that assure fullness of life. We are told time and again, Don't worry or strive to find your own way... God cares for each one of us and has plans that move each of God's people into the "prosperous" life.
The prophets said it long ago...(Jeremiah 29:11)and then Jesus spoke to us (in Matthew 6:25-33, for example)and assured us that God promises to provide what we need for the life which delights...and which is rich with blessings.
We're not talking about strokes to the ego...and we're not talking about status given by the world. We're talking about the fact that we are precious in God's sight and loved completely...lavished with everything we really need.
When "I" am given praise... surrender and return to the heart of God.
When "I" am stung by criticism ... surrender and return to the heart of God.
That's what really matters. All roads lead back to home.
2 comments:
Yes, common experiences, I think, among us all. We hear the siren song of flattery and feel the sweetening strokes that puff us up. They lead us to claim the praise and falsify our role. "The truth is not in us." But for myself I find that being brought down a peg is not bad. It recenters and I bcome refocused on the truth: all things come from God and all is accomplished for the glory of God.
Thanks for your reflection, Frank.... This process of ebb and flow of affirmation/critique is what keeps us centered in and directed by God rather than all the other voices out there (including our own, which is often the most misleading!)
Post a Comment