Listen, today I got chin checked by the Holy Spirit, and let me tell you—it did not feel good. I’m not sharing this because I’ve fully processed it or found some poetic closure. No, I’m laying my huff and puff out here, raw and real, in hopes that you can learn from my moment of being lovingly (but firmly) humbled.
We’re all super excited about spiritual gifts, right? Prophecy, discernment, wisdom—the whole heavenly toolkit. But what happens when the flip side of those gifts shows up? The side that demands refinement instead of recognition?
For me, the flip side exposed an uncomfortable truth: I’m recovering from pettiness.
Now, don’t get me wrong—my pettiness often feels justified. And that’s the danger. You think, “But God, they were wrong! I’m just responding accordingly!” And God? He’s looking at you like, “Oh, so we’re still playing at that level?”
When God Puts a Thorn in Your Flesh
Here’s where the chin check hit. God didn’t just send a word or a dream. He sent a thorn. You know, the kind Paul talked about in 2 Corinthians 12:7—the thing that grates your soul, drives you up a wall, and makes you question if God truly understands your limits. Spoiler alert: He does. That’s why He leaves it.
I felt like the blind man in Mark 8:22-25, the one Jesus healed in stages. First touch—partial vision. Second touch—clarity. I stood there, spiritually squinting, like:
"God, I don’t see how this could possibly work for my good."
But God? He pulled up a chair and said, “This ain’t about you. This is class. Take notes.”
Front Row Seat, Unwilling Student
I didn’t want the front-row seat. I wanted to transfer classes. But here’s the thing: when you’re called to purpose, you’re not just called to platforms—you’re called to the streets. And by streets, I mean society. You don’t get to dismiss people because they rub you wrong. You don’t get to clap back because you’re technically right.
Self-righteousness and calling can’t coexist.
And let me tell you, I was sitting there, arms crossed, heart tight, feeling justified. But God’s voice was clear:
"You can’t lead if your emotions are leading you."
Ouch.
Perspective Shift: When God Touches Your Eyes
I’m still processing. I’m still wrestling with my feelings. But here’s what I’ve learned:
Your emotions can’t rule you, even when you feel justified.
God’s perspective is always clearer than your fallen judgment.
Growth hurts, but it’s a necessary pinch for where you’re going.
Sometimes, God has to lay His hands on your eyes—not to show you how right you are, but to reveal how limited your sight is.
So, here I am, chin checked and humbled, realizing that spiritual maturity isn’t about power; it’s about posture. It’s about seeing through His eyes, not mine.
If you’re feeling the sting of correction today, know this: It’s not punishment. It’s preparation.
Take the seat, lean into the lesson, and let God finish the work He started.
Because in the kingdom? Pettiness has no place.
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