Saturday, March 19, 2011

REBUKED!

I recently read the Circles blog with the story of the alcoholic and how he needed some extremely tough lovin' to get him to realize his problem. I looked at that story as one big REBUKE! It's funny because last night I totally got rebuked by one of my closests friends, although she did it in an extremely gentle, soft-spoken, and loving way; it still felt like an emotional sock in the face haha.

I have a big mouth, and I like to talk. A lot. For some reason when I feel like Zach Hoffman has something to say that it's the most wise, most amazing revolutionary thought that anyone has ever had and it would just be a crying shame if everyone in the room didn't get to hear it. (it's terrible, I know.) I've gotten much better at this, but it still creeps up sometimes and I don't even recognize it! and another thing, it's especially bad when it comes to biblical topics. (yes, i am THAT guy :/ sometimes.) So last night we were at a friends talking about stuff and we were just talking and I had some AMAZING points which I made sure were heard and everything was great, until...

I got into the car with my friend whom I was driving home and then I totally got REBUKED! She kindly pointed out to me that I was talking out of turn, talking over people, not being patient, and yeah she was completely right and I didn't even realize it. It was pointed out that my behavior was not Christ like at all and that I made myself look like a person I'm not. I had to literally fight to hold down the urge to blurt out my justifications but I just took it and yeah.

Rebuking is a good thing. It's important because a lot of times I don't realize when I'm doing stuff that isnt representing Jesus and when someone is loving enough to point that out to me, it allows me to get a perspective of myself from the outside. That, in turn, allows me to grow closer to Jesus, which is my life goal. It's nice to have friends who I know love me enough to hurt my feelings in an effort to help me grow closer to the Lord :) but I dont think it's good to get overly excited about REBUKING and then become the REBUKE king. then the rebuking loses its purpose and often has the opposite effect. that's not what I'm talking about, you guys know what I mean :)

11 comments:

  1. I love how honest you are about the fact that when you talk you think everyone should think it is awesome ;) I feel like God has been showing me the selfishness of my heart and how much I crave people's attention. It is hard to take rebuke, but so good for us. My pride makes it so hard to listen to rebuke but when I actually take it to heart and humble myself I see how valuable it is. It is awesome that God used your friend to rebuke but to bring you closer to Him in the end. It has been awesome already to read your blogs and see how God is transforming your heart and mind. I'll be praying for you brother!

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  2. i'm blessed by your response to being "rebuked". most would become defensive or hurt or frustrated but you're allowing i God to teach you how to be a better follower and lover of Him. so good!

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  3. To Mr. Fabulous,
    I think it's so awesome that you are obedient to God! I am blessed to have you in my life, and I am so pumped to be given the opportunity to be used to further the kingdom with you! Let's all stay in the word, because big days are here and will continue to come!
    Love Love Love,
    Allie

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  4. Zach, you're funny, you're honest, you're humble... and I really respect that. Even though you are talking about how you might have been prideful that night, it takes a humble heart to present that to us. I am really thankful for that, it is convicting and it is encouraging. Seriously though, you're really funny haha.

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  5. Your comment about it being a crying shame cracked me up, man:)
    You've got some good friends!
    And I'm really stoked to see God revealing things to you that can be the hardest to see sometimes! Thanks for sharing bro!

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  6. hahaha I love you man :)
    Dude it's a struggle bro. I feel ya. It's especially hard for guys like us who are competitive and with pasts like ours. I feel like we've been trained by the world to feel like we have to be the best/ that we need to be heard constantly. I still struggle, man. Praying to pray the best, quoting scripture to sound holy, singing to sing the loudest, etc. It's all my pride and insecurity of someone being better. We need not worry, though. Jesus is the only one that can turn everything we've learned/thought we need to be upside down and show us that if we desire to be true Sons of God, we must abide in Him. "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." James 1:19-20

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  7. I second what shea said to a T. : ) thanks so much for posting because I always learn something from your post. : ) that may seem a little or a lot selfish, but alas, it is the truth. keep on seeking Him and He will reveal Himself to you in tons of ways... sometimes it is while being rebuked. ; )

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  8. Thanks for pointing it out. It's going to help me look at situations with my friends and realize if I am overstepping and talking too much. It's always good to be aware of this.

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  9. You have a good friend. But you were also good in your reception of her rebuking. Great thoughts!

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  10. zach, i liked this so much. funny and insightful :) how important it is to love one another in a way that hurts sometimes. i think we often hold on to the idea that being friends means we never make each other feel bad. yes, it means we are not malicious with one another, but oftentimes the most loving thing we can do is to make one another uncomfortable.

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  11. dudeeeee... I am in the same boat. I always subconsciously feel as though my input is a "must hear." When in all actuality it really never is. haha Thanks for the words of wisdom. I loved this post because it served as a rebuke of sorts toward my inability to keep my mouth closed. Much Love.

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