Critical Gifts

Scripture – Acts 7:51-56: ⁵¹“You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! ⁵²Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him—⁵³you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.” ⁵⁴When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. ⁵⁵But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ⁵⁶“Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Reflection: – As Stephen winds down his statement, he comes back to the Jewish leaders at hand and points out their stubbornness and disobedience of God’s law. This was not well-received.

Years ago someone taught me to accept criticism as a gift. I’ve learned to listen to it and reflect on whether it’s true or not. Then I can either take it to heart and effect some changes, or throw it away and move on. Now, I don’t handle criticism that smoothly all the time. I sometimes start feeling defensive and get angry with the person bringing it. That’s especially true when what the person is saying is accurate. That’s when I need to swallow my pride and make changes.

These leaders were “furious” with Stephen, even though what he described was accurate. Stephen, however, kept his eyes on Christ.

How do you handle criticism? What gifts have you received through it? When have you thanked someone for bringing something you’d rather not see to your attention?