I WAS WRONG
"I was wrong."
Why are those three words so hard to say? It's so easy, especially as parents rearing children, to point out their wrong. Likewise, seeing fault in your spouse or blaming your boss or a friend is easy.
I admit this is a personal struggle for me too. Why? As I examined it in my own life, it came down to several things.
Pride prevents me from admitting I was wrong. Of course we all want to be and do right. But, hey! We're all human. We WILL be wrong and do wrong. As I learn to accept and admit it, my weakness opens the door to humility. We have nothing to prove to a God Who loves unconditionally. Oh, that we could love that way. Only through Him!
The desire to be in control thwarts those words, "I was wrong." That power struggle goes all the way back to Eden and weaves through all humanity. It's especially part of the DNA of us Type A personalities! Yet when life or events get out of control, we're more likely to admit our own flaws and turn to God to find help or meaningful purpose. Tough circumstances may force those words from our lips.
Sometimes it simply stems from wanting our own way. I remember this all the way back to my childhood. As toddlers, our first words are, "No! Mine! I want. . ." Unchecked, this attitude carries over in the adult world. It can even plunge families into debt or divorce.
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When I look at that list, one word sums it up--childishness. It's hard to even admit that to you here. I'd far rather believe I'm mature. But God calls on me to be childlike, rather than childish. What's the difference?
Childlike means:
Children submit to authority, sometimes even willingly! They may not understand the whys but know and trust the love or wisdom behind a parent, teacher or cop.
Children realize they have much to learn. They don't claim to be the final authority. Their minds are open and receptive like little sponges. "As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after thee." Maybe David was a man after God's own heart because he continued to learn, even as a king.
This goes beyond knowledge and into action. Yes, children can be selfish but they can also be very generous and sensitive to others. At those sharing times, being right or in control disappears from their radar. They simply give.
"Lord, I'm so thankful for Your patience with me. You never give up on me. Your fresh mercies rescue me daily. Help me to extend that same grace to others. As You reveal my own weaknesses, I cry out for Your strength. The Christian life is so hard because it's so daily. So I begin today with you saying I was wrong. I admit my own failures, selfishness and release control to You. But I'll probably have to do it again another day soon. Thank You for being faithful, even when I'm not.
In Jesus' name,
Amen"
Chuck Swindoll says, "Knowledge alone puffs up but when there is action that follows, humility comes."
Sometimes that action is simply saying three words:
I was wrong.
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