Every now and then I get chewed out for something I said. Sometimes it’s because I said something wrong. Like with the introduction of the POPI Act, when I tried to quickly explain what it’s all about:

For example, from now on nobody can call you out of the blue to push another cell phone contract or policy on you. And when you ask where they got your number, it was from your auntie’s grandson, Piet’s friend, Koos’ girlfriend, or Sarie’s brother, Jan.

I thought it was short and sweet and that everybody would understand. But in response, I got a message from a financial advisor objecting to my saying a policy is “pushed” onto clients.

I realised it was a mistake and apologised.

Every time someone criticises my writing, I reconsider and ask for other views. Sometimes the criticism is unjustified, because the critics have a lot to say about the truth.

Then I have to make peace with it. Then I have to resign myself to it. I know that not everybody likes it when you speak the truth and that is why they will attack you. There’s an Afrikaans saying that goes something like this: “If you set out to be a toffee, you’ll get chewed.”

I know it’s not always nice to hear the truth. The truth tends to shine the spotlight on all the wrong actions and that is not something that people enjoy. It’s not nice to hear we’re going in the wrong direction. It’s not nice to be reminded of the things we do in the dark.

It’s even less enjoyable to realise that you’re wrong. Worst of all is the amount of energy it takes to right what you’ve done wrong.

That’s why we try to justify what we do, being on the attack from the get-go, to prove the other one is wrong and to put your point of view as the truth. It’s a defence mechanism that we put into action to protect ourselves.

But unfortunately, with an attitude like that, we miss out on opportunities for growth. When children are defiant and rebel against their parents all the time, they miss out on the opportunities to improve. Parents discipline their children for the benefit of the children. The parents are actually protecting the children from themselves, so that they do not injure themselves.

And God does the same with the children He loves: ⁷… He’s treating you as dear children. ⁸This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children.

It’s not easy. It’s not easy at all. Every time you label yourself a Christian you will be chewed. If not, you should probably ask a few questions about your Christianity.

Scripture
Hebrews 12:4-11

Reflection
Is your Christianity tested sometimes?
Are your wrong acts pointed out sometimes?
What do you do about it?

Prayer
Father, I’m ashamed. I know I do things that are not within Your will. Please forgive me and help me to put it right. In Jesus’ Name, amen.