I don't deal well...

... with criticism.  I tend to go on the defense very quickly when faced with the thought that somebody thinks poorly of me (or something I did or am involved with). The "fight or flight" instinct soars through me.f

Most of the time, my first response is to go hide in my bedroom, curl up into a ball on my bed, and have a good cry.  After awhile through, my response becomes "How dare they think that they know anything about me - how dare they judge me."  I am quick to defend myself against the criticism, whether or not the point is valid.

That one little point of criticism can ruin my whole day and send me soaring into the deep dark pit.

Down into the pit I fall, until I listen to the part of me that says "what if it's true? What if the criticism has validity and God is using this person to change an area of my life?" If I'm honest with myself and before God, I can evaluate the critique in the light of the truth. And when truth lights the way, the dark pit disappears. When I lean on the Holy Spirit to illuminate the issues I need to deal with, He is faithful to create a change in my heart and mind.

The last 24 hours have been eye-opening for me in this area. I now understand my reactions to past times in my life where criticism has changed me for the better.

People who you love and respect are the hardest to accept criticism from because you want their love and respect so badly - you hate the thought that you could possibly disappoint them. And yet, when those same people love and respect you enough to point out an area of your life that they see needing improvement, and you're willing to evaluate and deal with it honestly, it will only strengthen the relationship, creating a deeper love and respect for that person.

Thank You, Lord, for people in my life who have been willing to put aside pleasantries and give me an honest assessment of my actions. I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't listened and honestly evaluated their critiques and changed accordingly. Please continue to use people in my life to mold me into a more Christ-like person. And use me in the lives of others to help them become more like Your Son as well.