Tuesday, August 3, 2010

A Little Helpful Feedback

Scripture Verses that caught my attention today: John 5:44-45 How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope.

Observation: How do we measure success or even faithfulness?

Application: Feedback; many of us like feedback, especially those of us prone to wanting to please others. We want to know how others think we are doing…and we will often adjust our methods, practices, or actions in light of such feedback in hopes of, well, getting better feedback! It’s quite the cycle, isn’t it?

It’s not all bad. Often times such feedback does truly enable us to improve our various forms of service. And it can help us keep our own perceptions in check. After all, sometimes what we think people are thinking or feeling and what they actually think or feel are two different things. Attention to thoughtful feedback can help close the perception gap.

Along those lines, Jesus offers a little feedback of his own: paying attention to Jesus and following and trusting his ways will ultimately bring more satisfaction and meaning than all other feedback combined. In fact, relying primarily or solely on other feedback will lead only to judgment and despair.

Of course, this is all easier said than done. Honestly, sometimes it is the feedback we receive from other human beings that helps us evaluate how well we are serving our neighbors in Jesus’ name. But perhaps that’s the ultimate value of all feedback—divine or otherwise—whose glory are we really seeking?

Prayer: Lord, thanks for the subtle reminder once again that the praise we must surely value comes from you, the only one, ironically, worthy of our praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Scripture readings today included: Nahum 1-3, John 5)

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