Do you ever have those moments when scripture smacks you across the face? When it really gets your attention and says, “Hey you, listen up, you need to know this.”? Yeah, I had one of those moments last week.
It was Luke 6:37-38 (The Message): “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
That same day I was reading another book that said that the more loving kindness you give to yourself, the more you can give to others.
Okay, God, I get it. I know that I can be critical and negative of people, starting with myself. I know that we’re to make allowances for others faults. How many of us need to make allowances for our own faults?
I guess I’ve always been aware of the need to be gracious towards myself and others. I have the best of intentions to change but it hasn’t happened yet. It’s only when we make an action plan for change that will can implement change and make it stick. And if I don’t change this time, God will get my attention again. It’s clear he wants me to pay attention this time.
So, here’s my plan:
1. Accountability: Enlist someone else to tell me when I’m being negative and critical. (I already have one person on board, now you can help, too.)
2. Pray: For God’s help, for him to reveal to me when I’m being negative and critical.
3. Adjust my expectations: Perfection is not realistic. Short of perfection, what is acceptable?
4. Sleep: Stress and exhaustion seem to deplete my resolve, so I need to get more sleep.
5. Celebrate success: Note when I successfully encourage others or do not criticize someone when I would have in the past. Note how it felt to be gracious and how the other person responded.
What else might help? Are there any other things to add to my plan?
The most important factor in an action plan for change is God. We can’t change ourselves. Only God can change us. Reading another book may not be high on your list, but I;m reading “Lord change my attitude before it’s too late” by James McDonald. Very helpful.
DL