Development
B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO
Development is a process that occurs naturally as we mature both physically and intellectually. As we watch children grow and learn, the process of development is very evident. As adults, development can slow significantly as we get settled in our ways. Bob Proctor once said, “Change is inevitable but personal growth is a choice”. Continued learning and personal growth are certainly more of a choice, especially when it comes to developing people skills. Developing good people skills can be challenging, difficult, and emotionally draining. However, these interpersonal skills will be the most impactful to your overall success.
Proverbs 18:15 says, “Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.”
This passage points out that intelligent people are always ready. What’s interesting to me about personal development is that we tend to only want to learn on our own terms and timing. But that is simply not the way life works! None of us enjoy learning from those uncomfortable moments when we have made a mistake. However, these are some of the most powerful learning opportunities we will experience. If we are always ready to learn, then we have to be willing to listen to the criticism (constructive or not). Let’s face it, criticism is hard to receive. When teaching on people skills, I often talk about those individuals that don’t mind explaining where we went wrong and how we can improve. Their approach is not always professional, courteous, kind, or appropriate. We have a natural tendency to ignore the criticism and the critic, especially when our blood, sweat, and tears have been invested into their target of criticism. However, I am quick to remind people that even the harshest criticism sometimes has a lesson buried deep below the emotion. The question is… are we mature enough in our desire to develop that we can filter the emotion away from the beneficial feedback?
In Luke Chapter 2 you can read of a story of Jesus when he was twelve years of age. He was found in the Temple, sitting around religious leaders asking questions and having conversations. Luke 2:52 says, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Even at the young age of twelve, Jesus was developing and influencing those around him. While we don’t have the benefit of hearing the teachings of Jesus directly as they did when He was here on earth, we do have scripture to guide us along the way. While scripture can be encouraging as we go through life, its purpose is to develop us into mature followers of Christ. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” We tend to enjoy and welcome the encouragement but resist correction. However, both are important for our continued development.
There are two thought processes that can hinder our continued development in life. First, the idea of “this is just who I am!” This mentality is based on the concept that our bad communication and people skills are the results of our personality type or how we were raised. While our experiences and personality influence our tendencies, we have full control over our responses, actions, and willingness to change. Second, some believe that once you hit a certain age or development stage, you have arrived at your maximum developmental potential or are simply too old to worry about changing. Both of these thought processes attempt to justify poor interpersonal skills and will negatively impact our relationships with others.
The real lesson to be reminded of is that development is a lifelong process. While it may be easy to learn a new board game or even a new hobby, it is much harder to continue to work on those aspects of our life that can make us better and more influential. Jesus set the example and we have the inspired Word of God at our fingertips to guide us along the way. Are you still developing?
Challenge: Remember – intelligent people are always ready to learn. Regardless of our age, background, or personality, development is a lifelong process. Don’t use excuses to justify poor interpersonal skills. Follow the example that Jesus gave us and use the inspired Word of God to help show you those areas that still need some work!
Published: July 1, 2021
