Recently I was invited to encourage the brethren in the pursuit of excellence and after what everybody thought was an encouraging speech, a sister walks up to me and says “you were too loud, tone it down next time please”!

I was too taken aback to utter a word! I tried to reflect back on the speech to see when I must have been screaming (as she claimed). Was it when I started? Oh perhaps when I shared that powerful testimony of a brother? It didn’t matter that everyone around had come to my defense saying how blessed they were by the message and that they didn’t think it was in any way too loud and that it was as a result of her disobedience because everyone had been asked to leave that sitting area.

 

I had prayed right? Even waited on the Lord, that God would speak to us his children.

 

Did she actually even listen to the message or is this familiarity causing her to shun what God was trying to tell his people at that time.

 

In a few minutes, I went from self-doubt to anger! Who does she think she is to cast aspersions on the message? Doesn’t she know that … (list out accomplishments)!

 

At that point I had a check in my spirit by the Holy Spirit! WATCH OUT Pride! Pride!! LOADING ⚫⚫⚫

 

It then dawned on me why maybe this was allowed to happen to me.

 

Just maybe I needed a little of the criticism to douse the praises so I don’t run off ahead of myself thinking I have arrived!

 

Pride has a way of sneaking upon even the well-meaning amongst us in subtle forms and fashion hence the need to be alert.

 

Truth be said, some of the criticism will be malicious yet others in love however all together use it for good.  Just maybe it’s to keep you in check!

 

 Lord, help me to make use of every criticism to my advantage and humble myself, recognizing that he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor from You, in Jesus Name. Amen. (Proverbs 29:23)