Attitude and Receiving help

Frank Sinatra in his famous song crooned, I did it my way,” By the world’s standards, Sinatra was very successful, as he received fame, fortune and the adulation of millions of fans. Yet he could not have made it “big time” without the help of the many different people who recognized his talents and (whether for altruistic or selfish reasons) enabled him to become one of the 20th century’s brightest show-business lights. Sinatra received others’ help and made the most of it.

Very few men and women are “self-made” individuals. We all have had the help of many people as we have traveled life’s road. Perhaps it was our parents, a friend or a teacher, who gave us the love, help and guidance we needed to become who we are today. Without these caring individuals, our lives would have been markedly different. Many people may offer us their help. But how we react to their offers of aid can make all the difference between success and failure in our lives.

Sometimes, help comes to us in ways we may not appreciate. An army drill sergeant may seem like an ogre to new recruits, but if his young trainees heed his harsh words; their lives may be saved during combat. The way we react to others’ help will make a big difference in how we get along at school, at work, or in our personal lives.

When help comes in the form of correction, how do we react? Some people are quick to correct others, but are not so willing to accept correction when it is offered to them. We have all heard the stories of billionaire business luminaries who snap at subordinates, firing them on the spot for daring even to hint that the boss may have made a mistake, or might be able to improve in some area.

This is not a new phenomenon. Most of us will well remember how David the loyal servant and son-in-law of King Saul was chased away by him. Saul, in his arrogance, consumed with vanity, jealousy and paranoia, ordered the deaths of 85 innocent priests, whom he feared were conspiring with David against him.

In contrast, notice David’s response when he was confronted about his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband to conceal the sin. David humbled himself, showed a repentant attitude, and accepted correction. By doing so, he preserved his life and future legacy.

Have any of us become “too big for our britches,” thinking that we no longer need friendly correction and sound advice? We need to listen to correction with humility, and evaluate even the uncomfortable advice in the light of divine wisdom. We will accept – and act on – the needed correction, regardless of its source! The next time someone brings a suggestion they think will benefit you, regardless of their attitude, consider its value. Remember: “Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” (Proverbs 27:5-6).