Develop Thicker Skin…

If there could be one thing Americans could infuse themselves with that would change society (aside from the in dwelling of the Holy Spirit), it would be to develop thicker skin. Our society has passively grown into a “thin-skinned” group of people. I mean everyone can dish out their opinions, criticizing anyone for anything, but the second that criticism is turned back on them, they cry wolf. Let’s face it, human beings are fickle. We all are. It’s not until we realize this, that we are weak, fragile, and insecure, that we begin to process criticism and judging in the right manner. We all need to put on our “big boy/girl pants” everyday. That means we learn how to take criticism in the right light. The key is knowing who we are as people, knowing our place in the grand scheme of things, and seeing others as just as important, if not more important than we see ourselves. The only way this is possible is if we use God’s standards. We are all sinners. Some are redeemed by Jesus, while others are not. Being “saved” simply means you know your place; you know where your security comes from. You’ve humbled yourself, and have made a commitment to follow God regardless of the cost (not mentioning all that God has done for us). You see, the world and God have two different agendas vying for our attention. When criticism comes, we weigh the good and bad, applying what’s necessary and throwing out what’s not true. Having the Holy Spirit to guide us is key to handling criticism. As Jesus said, “the Truth shall set you free”. We are secure in Christ. We know our place in His agenda. We know how much we are loved by Him, by what He has done for us. And we know God honors those that honor Him. He’s got our back. Thicker skin that’s still sensitive, being insulated from the inside, helps us process the coldness our society has made itself accustomed. What a gift. And to think people shun Jesus and Christianity, for any excuse they can think of. They don’t realize what they are missing out on in this life, much less in the one to come. Thick skin is necessary in handling criticism. There’s only one place you can go to get the right kind of skin (that’s not insensitive and calloused), and that’s from our Maker. Any where else is just a cheap imitation that will breed false confidence, eventually harming ourselves, leaving us just as cold as the criticism so prominent in society today.

31 If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. 32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. 33 Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. Proverbs 15:31-33