Criticism

If you are going to get over your insecurity, you are going to have to learn to handle criticism. "But you have received the Holy Spirit and he lives within you, in your hearts, so that you don't need anyone to teach you what is right. For he teaches you all things, and he is the Truth.." 1 John 2:27. With regard to validation, we all fall into one of two categories. The first being that we need outside validation, as in someone to tell us that we are doing okay and that what we are doing is right. Or we are self-validating (sometimes called inward validating) which means that you take action as led by the Holy Spirit, doing what you believe God is telling you to do. When someone is insecure they need constant outside validation, they need to hear people's opinions. But everyone's opinion is different so this will probably just lead to greater confusion for the insecure one. The insecure need to learn to be self-validating. When Paul was asked by God to go preach to the Gentiles, he did not ask anyone's opinion on the matter. He knew that he had the Spirit within him and God to guide him, he needed nothing more. When we have the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth within us, we have no need to confer with flesh. There are exceptions to this however and that is when counsel is received from those wiser and more knowledgeable than we are, but remaining obedient to the Spirit too. Don't allow yourself to be unduly influenced by others through fear of making your own decision. If you are to become a self-validating person you need to be able to handle criticism. This matter isn't helped by the fact that some people seem to think that it is their job in life to give their personal opinion on everything to everybody. A good lesson to learn is not to offer or receive unsolicited opinions or advice. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, an do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1. You need to be secure enough to know how to cope with criticism without feeling there is something wrong with you. Don't come under bondage thinking you have to conform to other people's opinions. Be secure in yourself and your viewpoint but also have the humility to consider what others say. Have enough confidence in who you are in Christ that you can listen to others and be open to change without feeling you have to agree with their viewpoint or meet with their approval if you don't feel their suggestion is right for you. In short: Learn to cope with criticism!