Receiving help

"I did it my way," Frank Sinatra crooned, in his famous song. By the world's standards, Sinatra was very successful, as he received fame, fortune and the adulation of millions of fans. Yet the man who sang "My Way" could not have made the "big time" without the help of many different people who recognized his talent and (whether for altruistic or selfish reasons) enabled him to become one of the 20th century's brightest show-business lights. Sinatra received others' help and made the most of it.

Sometimes, help comes to us in ways we may not appreciate. An army drill sergeant may seem like an ogre to new recruits, but if his young trainees heed his harsh words, their lives may be saved during combat. The way we react to others' help will make a big difference in how we get along at school, at work, or in our personal lives.

When help comes in the form of correction, how do we react? Some people are quick to correct others, but are not so willing to accept correction when it is offered to them. We have all heard the stories of billionaire business luminaries who snap at subordinates, firing them on the spot for daring even to hint that the boss may have made a mistake, or might be able to improve in some area.

This is not a new phenomenon. Scripture tells of how David was a loyal servant and son-in-law to King Saul of Israel, but the king in his arrogance chased David away. Saul, consumed with vanity, jealousy and paranoia, ordered the deaths of 85 innocent priests of God, whom he feared were conspiring with David against him (1 Samuel 22:11-23).

By contrast, notice David's response when he was confronted about his adultery with Bathsheba, and the murder of her husband to conceal the sin (2 Samuel 12:1-13). God told the prophet Nathan that David would die for his transgressions. When Nathan took this news to his king, he could have been putting his own life at risk. But how did David react? "So David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the Lord'" (v. 13). David humbled himself, showed a repentant attitude, and accepted God's correction. By doing so, he preserved his life and future position in God's Kingdom.

Have any of us become "too big for our britches," thinking that we no longer need friendly correction and sound advice? Scripture reminds us: "An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment. A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions" (Proverbs 18:1-2, NIV).

Christians, guided by the Holy Spirit, will listen to correction with humility, and will evaluate even uncomfortable advice in the light of God's word. They will accept – and act on – needed correction, regardless of its source! The next time someone brings a suggestion they think will benefit you, regardless of their attitude, consider its value. Remember: "Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend" (Proverbs 27:5-6).

If you would like to understand God's advice for your life, please read our booklet, What Is a True Christian?