Have you ever found it easier to gloss over a problem than to face it head on? I know I have. For example, just recently it was pointed out to me that I was being rather self-centered when I got an attitude and went on a rant about what someone else was doing to annoy me. In that moment, it would have felt easier to make excuses and avert my eyes, rather than look in the mirror that was being held up for me. But God wants us to keep our eyes open, and when He brings something to our attention related to our behavior or character, we must remember that it’s for our benefit, so that we can change and grow.
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord--who is the Spirit--makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT)
So why is it so hard to take our medicine? I mean, it’s not like we go around thinking we’re already perfect, right? But the truth is, that doesn’t always make it easy to be corrected or have the light shined on our “defects.” When we find ourselves tempted to resist the correction, however, it helps to remember some biblical advice:
My child, don't reject the LORD's discipline, and don't be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3:11-12 NLT)
And since He delights in us, we also need to resist the urge to beat ourselves up whenever we discover another part of our heart that God wants to transform.
The Lord never wants you to condemn yourself or put yourself down- siding with the devil. But you do need to acknowledge the areas of the flesh that are dominating you, or you are not going to grow. (excerpt from Feed The Seed & Meet The Need pt.3, by Dr. Chester C. Pipkin)
It’s a sneaky scheme of the devil to first keep us from recognizing the things God wants us to see, and then follow up once we’ve seen it by tricking us into feeling too defeated to change. Don’t fall for it! Allow the Lord to show you what He wants to help you change, and partner with Him to overcome. When you do, growth and victory are assured!