As a designer, putting my designs out there for the world to see always opens up doors of insecurities and doubts for me. The narrative I can easily start telling myself is, “I am not good enough.” or “What am I even doing?” or “There are so many people better at this than me.” Of course, there will always be people who are “better” than me — and you. They are people who have more experience and more knowledge. They are also people who know the value of constructive criticism.
The older I get, the more I under that I need to surround myself with these kinds of people — ones who know the value of constructive criticism. They will help me get better in my trade and in my life. I actually love asking people for constructive criticism; it helps me grow as a designer and as a person. I have been in situations where I started a project one way and then it was completely derailed (and went another direction) because of the critique I received about it. Not only did it make the project better, it also helped me (as a designer) get better.
The people I look to for constructive criticism are a short list. I trust and believe that they are looking out for my best interests. They can set me on a new path because they know me well enough to speak truth about what I’m working on or what’s going on with me.
Here are two different versions of Proverbs 15:31:
“If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.” — Proverbs 15:31 (NLT)
“The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.” — Proverbs 15:31 (ESV)
This verse teaches us that it is good to listen to constructive criticism and reproof if it is life-giving. We should surround ourselves with those who are wise. This is true not only for our jobs or passions, but for our lives in general.
I try and surround myself with people who are living a godly life — a life that I want to imitate. People who I know I can call (at any time) and they will help me make big or small decisions. People who know my family and can speak truth to me when I am failing and encourage me when things are good. Those who are willing to truly give me a life-giving reproof — not just tell me what I want to hear. They will first and foremost point me to Jesus.
I want you to think about who you’re surrounding yourself with. Are they people who are willing to give you reproof when you are doing something unwise? Or, do they encourage you to do whatever you want? Are they ones who will lead you towards Jesus in your decision making? Or, do they lead you down a path of destruction?
I would encourage you to create a short list. Write down the names of three people who you can be open and vulnerable with. Ones who will help you walk the path to dwell among the wise. You need those people who are living a life for Jesus.
Tony
Posted in A Word from the Pastor