HUMILIATION THAT DOES US GOOD
Someone asked me this question recently: What effect have failures had in you during your life?
The first thing that came to my mind was “It is good for me that I have been afflicted…” (Psalm 119:71 KJV).
If you handle failures the right way, you will see that they have benefits.
1. They make us more human.
We are more compassionate, because it is easier for us to understand other’s suffering. The heart of stone is changed into a tender heart.
2. We abandon perfectionism.
When we fail, we realize that we are not perfect nor are we as good as we thought we were; and we stop demanding so much perfection in other people. We are more patient with our spouse, our children, coworkers, classmates or our disciples at church.
3. They keep my feet on the ground.
Constant success without humility can separate us from human beings and God, making us feel like Superman or like we’re all that and a bag of chips.
Failures help us remember that we are fragile, that God is God and that we are only men who depend on Him.
4. They help me focus on God’s Word.
They help me value what the Lord says.
They help me understand the Bible. This book is no longer boring; I find meaning and practical ways to apply it.
They help me seek God’s will in His Word. The Bible says:
Think about it:
What effects have failures had in you during your life?
Have you ever been humiliated? How did you feel during that experience?
How can you take advantage of humiliation?