Maturity at work - a sign

One of the signs of a truly mature individual is how he handles correction or reproof.

Note that it is how he handles -- which means how he responds to.... or REACTS to or in, a situation.

Prov. 10:17 He who heeds instruction and correction is [not only himself] in the way of life [but also] is a way of life for others. And he who neglects or refuses reproof [not only himself] goes astray [but also] causes to err and is a path toward ruin for others.

When we heed or pay attention to correction and reproof, we help not only ourselves but others also. We usually see this when it comes to teamwork. When working together, if the leader corrects a team member, when recieved and taken to heart, it helps the team work better.

The vision of the team as a whole is more important when working together than that of the individual. So at this point if a mistake is made on an individual level and is corrected, it must be remembered that the idea is to improve the individual and move forward as a whole.

When we are so secure that correction doesn't lower our self-esteem and affect our sense of worth, we will be able to look at ourselves in a whole different light.

When we rebel against reproof, we cause ruin for ourselves and others. Again, looking at the team example, the team would not be able to move forward and progress toward its goal.

We need to be strong enough to take correction and move forward after examining our motive.

Not only will we move forward , we will help others along the way.

And we will walk on a path toward our destination instead of ruin and destruction.

For whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. Prov. 3:12

Peace...revelation.

I came across this today and was so excited I had to share it with you.

It's in James Chapter 3, ( do read it slowly so it makes sense)

"And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God's will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts]."

Ok, so let me try and explain what I understand which is so amazing. The harvest of righteousness which is "conformity to God's will in thought and deed" ---- interpreted we are conformed to God's will as a result of sowing something.

We are in God's will when we sow PEACE. Wow! Isn't it so simple.

And we need to WORK to sow peace. Which is what makes it difficult for us humankind.

If you read real carefully, what follows is so important it can change your attitute, life and peace in your workplace.

We work to make peace ....where?

First, in "themselves".....are we at peace within ourselves? Are we reconciled to the things of this world? Am I able to befriend someone whose values and beliefs totally oppose mine...without a feeling of condemnation and judgement over that person....in short am I able to love someone who has opposing beliefs??

Do I feel threatened if I move with someone who is inferior to me ( according to me).....or am I reconciled to the fact that it doesn't affect me and I can love and move with anyone and it will not affect me? This is so important for us Christians in our work atmosphere. He smokes so he is really to be avoided. Then how are we going to witness to him the love of Jesus ? When we cannot love him ourselves and we say Jesus is in us?

Jesus made Himself of no "reputation.."

It continues to say., " in others" -- being at peace with others is crucial to us being in the will of God.

And what does this peace mean....?

"....that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts."

When my co-worker doesn't agree with me, how agitated do I get?...Am I at peace...do I allow others the freedom to be who they were created to be....even though in my eyes it may look different ?

An undisturbedness. Free from fears. Which means full of faith and trust in God Almighty.
Free from agitating passions and moral conflicts. Know your God. Know yourself in relation to Him.

You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

It is an ongoing process ...to work toward peace in ourselves and others....so that we reap that harvest of walking in conformity to the will of God in thought , word and deed.

How wonderful the world would be. How peaceful the workplace would be.