Be A Potato

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Be A Potato

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One of the hardest things to take, humanly speaking, is criticism. It is harder still to be wrongly, or unfairly, criticized publically – and it is even harder to be wrongly criticized by a friend or brother.

We might expect criticism from the world around us from time to time, but it is a sad reality that we can still face criticism from a brother or sister in Christ. We know from verses such as 1 Peter 4:16 that we are to suffer as a Christian – suffer for the sake of our Christian calling – but how should we deal with criticism (or trials in general) as a Christian?

It has been said that our various trials are like being plunged into hot water – if you are an egg your affliction will make you hard boiled and unresponsive, if you are a potato you will emerge soft and pliable, resilient and adaptable. Oftentimes when we face difficulties we think that we have no control in the midst of those trials. While we may not be able to control if we have a trial, or what the trial may be, we can control how we deal with the trial. We can choose to become hardened or resilient.

In dealing with criticism we must first make sure whether the criticism is valid or not. If it is valid, rather than being defensive we are to repent (Acts 2:38) and act in a more Godly fashion. If the criticism is not valid we are to remember that it can still be for our good (Hebrews 12:10-12) and that there is a promised blessing if what we suffer is because of righteousness sake (Matthew 5:10-12). In all of this we are to be patient (1 Peter 2:19-20) no matter where the trial or criticism comes from. In fact, even if it is from an “enemy” we can learn and grow from the criticism of that enemy and remember that we are to show them love, to bless them and to pray for them (Matthew 5:19-20, Luke 6:32).

Why should we go through all of this? God can use any situation for our good (Romans 8:28) so the question for us is will we live in God’s instruction and be a potato, or will we resist His chastisement (for our good or for our correction, Hebrews 12:6-9) and become a hard boiled egg?

God, let me be a potato.