(The next reflection will be on Sunday.)
When I used to teach a course called Creativity, one of
the things we did in class was begin to become more aware of something that
many of us live with on a daily basis: the existence of a voice inside of us
that I call the Critic.
The things that the Critic has to say are like a broken
record that says “what you’ve done isn’t good enough,” “you’re not working hard
enough,” “you aren’t going to successful if you try . . . “ “what will others
think of you . . . “ and so on.
There is a spiritual dimension to what the Critic offers
as well: “You’re not close enough to God, you don’t pray enough, you aren’t
worthy of God’s gifts and graces.” The last example is true—we are not
worthy, but God makes us worthy. That’s what grace is all about.
There is a wonderful verse in the Book of Revelation that
provides both help and hope when we are dealing with onslaughts of the Critic.
Revelation 12:10:
Now have salvation and power come,
and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed.
For the accuser or our brothers has been cast down,
who accuses them day and night before our God.
Whatever the accusation, whether it be for real incidents
of sinfulness, or it be the subtle insidious ways the Critic tries to get under
of our skin, it is silenced, and, through the grace of the Cross of Jesus, the
accusations have been swept away.
Remember this verse when the Critic or the accuser tries
to get to you.
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