I saw a post on Facebook last week about Christian doctrine and my first reaction - my very FIRST reaction - was to be offended by the post and to justify myself. (It does not matter who posted it or what it was about. I am intentionally omitting it because that is not the point.)
In my reaction, I sinned, even though I have not said a word about it to anyone else until right now. I was absorbed in my pride, because the god that I worship is Scott Tibbs.
What is your first reaction to criticism of what you practice or believe? Your first reaction should not be to be offended or to justify yourself. You should recognize that when you see a rebuke by someone who loves his Father in Heaven, that rebuke is almost certainly done in charity.
Your first reaction should not be my reaction. Your first reaction should be "Maybe I am wrong. Maybe I am sinning. I need to study God's Word and pray about it."
Love God and His Word. Love His servants and be thankful for the rebuke you get. Have a soft heart. Recognize that the heart is deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9) and realize that you are an incredibly talented liar - especially when lying to yourself.
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