Moving Closer To God

    Most of us like to be on the receiving end.  It’s enjoyable receiving encouraging words or kind actions from others.  However, there are two things we struggle to accept, advice and criticism.  Let’s see what the Word teaches about these challenging and often unwanted practices.  The book of Proverbs was written to teach people how to live - how to act in every circumstance. “...be humble, take advice and become wise.” Proverbs 13:10  “Get all the advice you can and be wise the rest of your life.” Proverbs 19:20 So once we have humbled ourselves to receive valuable advice we are well on our way to becoming a wise person.  “The advice of a wise man refreshes like water from a mountain spring.” Proverbs 13:4  From these verses we discover that anyone who makes it a practice to listen to godly advice and instruction stays on the road to life.  These next verses may change our mind about the benefits of criticism.  “If you profit from constructive criticism, you will be elected to the wise men’s hall of fame.  But to reject criticism is to harm yourself and your own best interests.” Proverbs 15:31,32  “Don’t refuse to accept criticism, get all the help you can.”  Proverbs 23:12  “It is a badge of honor to accept valid criticism.” Proverbs 25:12  Criticism is actually a profitable and useful way to learn discipline and instruction.  As we receive constructive criticism we show we truly do want to learn from people and life.  So don’t let criticism or accepting advice become a stumbling block.  Remember the stakes are high.  It is the humble that God teaches his ways.  Move closer to God accept all the help you can including criticism and advice.  It is one thing that carries its own rewards receiving returns from a great God.