π DEVOTIONAL:
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid." -Proverbs 12:1 (ESV)
Last week, I stumbled upon a new word: Autodidact. It's a term used to describe individuals who are self-taught, who possess an insatiable hunger for learning. As creatives, many of us fit this description. We're drawn to the thrill of discovery, the adventure of trying, failing, and trying again. We enjoy learning independently, without guidance or encouragement from others. While this autonomy has its advantages for Christian creatives, it can also pose risks when taken to extremes.
As we achieve proficiency in particular areas, we need to be careful not to shut ourselves off from feedback, correction or wisdom from others. It's easy to start thinking we know everything once we achieve a certain level of skill or recognition, but the reality is, there's always more to learn and explore. There's always more lessons to discover, more techniques to master, more perspectives to consider.
In Proverbs 12:1, we're reminded of the importance of humility and teachability. "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid." Harsh words, perhaps, but they carry a deep truth. To love discipline is to embrace correction, to welcome feedback, to recognize that growth often comes through the humbling experience of being corrected.
Humility is the doorway to wisdom, and teachability is the key that unlocks it. As creatives, nurturing a teachable spirit is crucial for our growth and development. This means humbly recognizing that we don't have all the answers and being open to the insights and expertise of others. It's about understanding that the creative journey is vast, and we are perpetual learners navigating within it.
π PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help us to cultivate a spirit of humility and teachability in our creative pursuits. Teach us to love discipline and embrace correction, knowing that it leads to greater knowledge and understanding. Guard our hearts against pride and arrogance, and instead, fill us with a hunger for learning and a willingness to receive instruction. May our creativity be a reflection of Your wisdom and grace. Amen.
π‘ TIP OF THE WEEK:
π€ Validate Feedback: Feedback is a gift, but not all feedback is valid. To discern the value of feedback, consider a three-point test. Firstly, assess whether the person providing feedback knows you personally. Secondly, evaluate if they understand your job or creative process. Finally, ask yourself if the feedback resonates with truth. By applying these criteria, you can sift through feedback to discern its validity and relevance to your creative journey.
π§βπ¨ Need a creative Bible study boost?
We got you covered, fam! Scriptures & Scribbles is a carefully crafted PDF containing over π― creative activity pages and reflection prompts. It's perfect for Christian creatives looking to deepen their understanding of scripture while exercising their creative muscles.
THATβS IT FOR THIS WEEKβS DROP!
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βBrian V.