Devotion: The Inner Critic
Please take a moment to read Luke 22:31-34,54-62
This scripture is usually associated with Christ’s final days on Earth, but there is another side to it that speaks to our ‘gap’ in faith. Peter is pleading with Jesus that he is ready to go to prison and even to die with Him. But Peter denies even knowing Jesus when He gets arrested. Three times. It is important to remember that Christ knew Peter would deny him, but he still gave him a monumental task to do. There is the gap! What we say and what we do for Christ doesn’t always measure up. But there is hope! Peter went on to do great things for Christianity. Simon Peter, a common fisherman, unschooled, and rough around the edges, became the disciples’ leader, the Rock. Christ saw something in him that assured Him His work would continue. And the world would know of Jesus’s love.
In Pastor Sarah’s sermon, she shared her self-criticism. That is a brave thing to do in front of a congregation who are ‘perfect’! Ha! We all must look hard at what is not perfect in each of us and know God has our back. He loves us. Each time I write one of these devotions, I wonder, is it good enough? Does it speak to people, is the point of the scripture clear? And every time I hit the send key, I pray God has given me the right words. After it is gone, I second guess myself and think I should have said something else, or I shouldn’t have said those words. I have that ‘Inner Critic’ gnawing away at my confidence. But I know God still loves me, despite my flaws.
We all have the opportunity to share our talents in the coming year. We each have received a blue ‘Time and Talent’ sheet to fill out. I counted at least 60 possibilities that would help us become vital, active members of Sheridan. Maybe you are like me, and take a chance that you are good enough to serve. Maybe you are like Peter and knows the church needs you to do its work.
Dear Lord, thank you for giving us chances to show our love to the world. Give us the confidence to silence that inner critic that keeps us from doing good things. Thank you for loving us just as we are.
Amen
Written by Cindy Swanson
Cindy and her husband, Ray, have been members of Sheridan Lutheran Church since 1978. They have three sons, Ben, Andrew and Patrick who were confirmed at Sheridan. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren who range in age from 8-13 with newborn twins. Cindy retired from teaching writing to middle schoolers for Lincoln Public Schools in 2014. She savors a good cup of coffee, a well-written book, a lively discussion and chocolate. She lives near a cemetery and knows each day is a gift!