The Choice of Truth
July 17, 2019 by Rosemary Flaaten
Filed under Daily Devotions, Personal Growth
By Rosemary Flaaten –
As I read and reread the evaluation, these questions ran rampant through my mind: How could I not have met their expectations? How could they think so poorly of me? Am I really this bad?
This questioning quickly turned to derogatory interpretations: I guess this proves that I really am a failure. I knew I wasn’t cut out for this job and these comments prove it. I’m pathetic. Anger, resentment and self-disgust caused each negative comment to swell in intensity, making me feel smaller and less competent.
All too often, I choose to pick the negative out of an evaluation or a conversation and then feed it so that it expands into a much larger and darker issue than what was originally intended. I allow my mind to take me down the path of negativity and resistance. At these times, I am moving away from God and how He could use this to make me more like Him if only I didn’t turn away.
The Psalmist declares “I have chosen the way of truth” (Psalm 119:29 NIV). This advises me that following God’s way is choosing a route which leads away from negativity and falsehood. Instead, it follows a process characterized by examining the facts to create an honest assessment of the situation and myself, thus keeping me from being drawn into excess negativity.
When I choose the corridor of truth, I will no longer be blinded by coddled hurt, unable to see any truth that might be wrapped in their evaluation. Rather, by looking for any nuggets of truth, I will seize the potential for growth.
What path will you choose the next time you receive an evaluation that seemed unfair or where you felt misunderstood? Will you choose the pathway of negativity or will you choose to allow God to show you the truth in the statements and use it to fuel growth?
QUOTE: “True genius resides in the capacity of evaluation of uncertain, hazardous, and conflicting information.” — Winston Churchill
“Keep me from deceitful ways, be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth, I have sent me heart on your laws” (Psalm 119:29-30 NIV).
You’re right, a simple suggestion or piece of constructive criticism can be helpful and a blessing to us if we are practice grace and wisdom as we receive it. Thanks, Rosemary!