When you throw a rock into a dog fight, the one that yips is the one that got hit. I didn’t invent that phrase but I’ve discovered it to be true. Now, before you call the cops and tell them I’m abusing dogs, let me attempt to explain myself.
Whenever I write or say something and I DO NOT mention your name, I am throwing a rock into a dog fight. I’m hurling an idea into the public forum with no specific target. Kind of like when a preacher delivers a sermon.
Whenever you angrily respond to criticism that I DID NOT directly apply to you; you are the dog that got hit. You are confessing your sin…but not really. Your behavior is telling me you were wounded. Your mouth is telling me it’s wrong to throw rocks. That happens because you’re too proud to admit my throw was accurate.
Apparently, it has not occurred to you that I’ve been in a lot of dog fights myself. Over the course of my life, I’ve been hit with many, many, many, many rocks. I’ve yipped and yelped because the truth absolutely hurts when it scores a bullseye. A few times, I’ve turned and snarled at the rock thrower. Thankfully, some (not all!) of the rock throwers had the wisdom to tell me the truth. That rock was not INTENDED for me but I should be grateful I received it.
Impersonal criticism is a gift from God. When you get hit with a generic criticism, it is an opportunity to deal with one of your weaknesses WITHOUT ANYONE ELSE KNOWING. Think about that. You DON’T HAVE TO YIP. Instead of snapping at me when you feel the sting of truth, ask God to tell you what to do. You’ll get to be a little more spiritually mature AND save yourself the embarrassment of confessing your sin. Do you not see that as a win-win?
For what it’s worth, this could be why James 1:19 says:
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
James 1:19
Let me stop you before you say, “John, it is not your job to throw rocks!” because that statement is a rock and you’re throwing it. But you wrote MY NAME on your rock. Your criticism is SPECIFIC and PERSONAL. Please understand, I’m not upset by personal criticism. Criticism helps me grow when it’s accurate. In this case, however, your criticism is just hypocrisy. That’s a sin so I am graciously warning you about it before you commit it.
It takes a lot of stubborn stupidity to stay in a dog fight when you keep getting pelted by rocks. Wisdom will tell you to tuck your tail between your legs, move out of range and lick your wounds. There is no shame in admitting a mistake. There is no shame in learning a lesson…
And there is no honor in ignoring your conscience.
2 Responses
I’m smiling! Rocks can be very good, this from one who has been privately yipping and yelping for years.
With each frequent rock, I make it personal and ponder:
“Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered.”
I would rather be stung and bruised by corrective rocks, and have a conscience, than for God to cease striving with me and leave me to my own perverted, foolish ways.
I knew a person whom the Holy Spirit ceased striving with, and gave him up to his own desires of the flesh. That person became as a hateful Gollum before his unmourned death.
Wonderful post, John. Keep throwing rocks in your delightful, unique way. May God continually bless, and correct, you and your loved ones!
Wishing I could join you all @ Vacay. I hope it’s more wonderful for you all than I can even imagine. God will be there!
I’m old enough to know that if the rock even makes a glancing blow, I better pick myself up and do some pondering on the content of that rock.