Area of Growth (Oct 22) | David and Robin Watters

Verses for the day

Prov 25:11-12 Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.

Over the past few years as we have continued to learn how to do this job of orientation, I have become aware of a bad habit I have. Partly because of our role, and the need to write a report at the end of the program, but I realize that I have been quick to be critical in my observations of people. In our first couple programs we had people finish our program feeling “over evaluated” and even “criticized.” Our heart was to prepare them to become better church planters, and equip them to become God’s effective instruments. But, instead of seeing our advice as “golden apples” (Prov 25:11) of truth to help them, it was seen as judgment and they felt we were just being critical of them.
As I think about others we have tried to minister to, I wonder how many have felt that way? My heart has always been to help others become what God wants them to be. But, I’m afraid that, just like our orientation students, instead of my input coming across as “valid criticism that is like a gold earring or other jewelry” (Prov 25:12) (something you value and see it will enhance you), it’s more like Prov 25:24 “It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.”
I don’t ever want you to feel like I am just a “quarrelsome wife” that you can never please.

Lord, this morning as I start my day, I ask that you will enable me to learn to communicate in such a way that my advice is seen more like precious jewelry than quarrelsome talk to be avoided.
As I interact with the orientatees I don’t want them to feel criticized, or over evaluated… treated like children. I want what I say and do be like a lovely basket full of golden apples that bring delight and encouragement and hope.
Father, I pray the same for those who read this.