One of the dictionary definitions for a barometer
is that it is an indicator.
So any time we sense
defensiveness in ourselves or in others,
it is a barometer indicating
pride or immaturity.
You cannot become defensive
if you are going to exhibit
humility and Christlikeness.
You cannot become defensive
if you are going to be teachable
and taught by the Lord.
You cannot be defensive
if pastors, elders, and other believers
are to have their proper place
in our spiritual growth.
An honest and valid question:
Am I a defensive person?
If we get defensive
when others point something out in our lives,
then we are still immature to some extent.
Defensiveness is rooted
in pride and prejudice.
Not being willing to be corrected
is defensiveness rooted in pride.
Defensiveness rears its ugly head
when anyone touches a nerve in my soul,
possibly exposing that I could be
wrong about something.
Defensiveness is that feeling I get
when anyone challenges me on something,
possibly exposing that I have blind spots
that they see, that I don't see.
Defensiveness shows itself in touchiness
when anyone disagrees with me in any way.
If I am defensive,
pride is raising its head in me.
If I am defensive,
I still think I know better than anyone
who disagrees with me.
If I am defensive,
I still am, to some real degree, unteachable.
If I am defensive,
I am revealing an inner attitude
that I could not be wrong.
If another Christian
or one of my pastors comes to me
to share something they feel
is a need in my life,
do I respond with defensiveness
or do I quietly listen?
Truly hear what they are saying
and make sure I understand it?
And to thank them for coming
and then examine myself before the Lord
to receive what He wants for me?
If I do, that is maturity and Christlikenss.
How I respond at those times
will make all the difference
between real growth and change,
or not.
If I am defensive
when another brother or sister in Christ
says something I don't agree with,
I am showing that I am still trying to live
like an island,
separating myself from the body,
asserting my carnal independence
from the body,
and thus from the Head as well.
Defensiveness is so ingrained in us,
it's almost like breathing.
We exhibit it even when we don't know it.
If we get challenged, corrected, or rebuked,
it is ugly immaturity in action
and pride holding forth its inglorious presence.
When I am defensive,
I am far from being like the Lord Jesus right then.
May God save me from this wicked and ongoing evil.
Jesus was never defensive
one time in His life -
not even once.
And He is calling me to put it off,
die to self daily,
and become defenseless,
with all my defense being in Him alone.
This was written by Mack Tomlinson
who is an elder of Providence Chapel
in Denton, Texas.
For more information on his church,
visit providencedenton.org.