I can't begin to express how much having good friends is a value. The last week I have been realizing and attempting to change certain "undesirable" qualities, in various areas of my life. My marriage and my work perception. Now I have always been able to take advice from people, and receive a little constructive criticism, but this week was a little unbearable.
I was having an issue with my wife only 3 weeks into being married and was beginning to feel like a quick failure. I brought the issue to my small group, expecting to hear a "quick fix" or an "easy way out," but realized that was definitely not the case, instead it was brought to my attention rather abruptly, that instead of attempting to fix the problem, I should reflect on my habits and what I could do better. Not what I wanted to hear, but I accepted it.
Second, because I tend to look for ways to improve my performance, attitude and other areas of my personality constantly while working. A friend confronted me on how my perception can be heading the wrong direction. He was very upfront, blunt, and straight to the point, the way I like it. (Except when I'm on the receiving end.) Because I was taken aback by the statement, I began feeling pretty bad about myself and became a little frantic on how to change very quickly. So I called another peer to talk it out. He offered great encouragement and advice on how to change this area of my life. Which I am very glad to say I have listened to.
I read a while back about having edit-ability, by Mark Waltz. It is a great concept based on allowing your peers to look into your life and help you change specific things, as opposed to just being a support system. It has become a very important attribute to learn, not only for my own application but to begin to be an "Editor" for my wife, and other close friends.
Now not everyone needs to be blunt and incredibly straight forward, (my friends are because I tend to need that). But we do need people who will help us become better Christ followers by changing out lives. So if you don't have someone to fill this role in your life, FIND ONE, at least one, or as many as you can. You will be amazed at the amount of growth you will see in your life. If you do have these people, praise God for them and thank them next time you see them.
But because both of my friends read my blog I'll do it here. Thank you Rick and Luke for being blunt when necessary, and caring enough to follow through.
