By taking either compliments or criticism personally, we rob God of glory. Words go deep, either puffing up our pride or threatening our identity. But God intended better. Isaiah 60:21 (NLT) says, “All your people will be righteous. They will possess their land forever, for I will plant them there with my own hands in order to bring myself glory.”
Our identity is in God, as his beloved children. Any comments (good or bad) must go through God first, and we can ask him to filter each word and speak his truth to our souls. We can pray: What do you want me to hear, God? Are you inviting me to do something different? How can I point others to you? Do I need to make something right?
This change in mindset provides peace. When we receive people’s applause, we want to glorify God, who orchestrates all things. Likewise, constructive criticism can reflect God’s work in us, making us teachable. Instead of being tossed to and from by affirmations and critiques, let’s rest secure and shift our focus to bring God glory!
