Subscribe to the NetworkEating Crow & Admitting Wrong
Written by Benny Dixon
I am somewhat of a health nut. With that said, I recently had to eat a kind of meat that I do not care for at all. It was brought about by overextending myself and not getting things done in a timely manner. My lack of “on-timeness” brought about great anguish, frustration, and even righteous anger directed toward me (and rightly so, I might add) ….and my least favorite meat to eat – crow. Thankfully, I have not had to eat it as a steady diet.
Here are a few lessons that I have learned from this experience:
1. People are counting on me to do what I say I will do. When I don’t keep my commitments, it causes everyone trouble.
2. Failure to do my part in a timely manner is perceived as “you only care about yourself and really do not respect others.” Sounds harsh, but perception translates into reality. When I do not keep my commitments, everyone suffers.
3. Sorry is a tough word to say. Admitting that I was wrong is the hardest part, but actually admitting it to someone else shows them honor and respect. They can accept my apology (which is always good), or they may trash me. No matter how they respond, it is right for me to apologize.
4. Crow is not really good meat to eat. It swells up in my mouth as I chew it, and it is hard to swallow. A steady diet of it can wreak havoc on my testimony and witness.
5. Forgiveness is a wonderful thing whether I am asking for it or granting it.
I am thankful that I serve a God of second chances. I am thankful that the people I have the opportunity to serve alongside in ministry are forgiving. I am also thankful that they confront me with weaknesses in my life. I can’t say I always like it, but I can say that I am thankful they care enough not to leave me the way I am. That is the great thing about God. He loves us too much to leave us that way.
If you need to admit you were wrong about something, I encourage you to make it right today. Take your bite of crow, say you are sorry, and ask for forgiveness. You can do it! You will strengthen your witness and set a godly example for others to follow.
Benny Dixon is a 40-something worker with students, parents, and their leaders.
