Ken Blanchard and Margret McBride wrote a book called, “The One Minute Apology.” It explains a very powerful way to make things better for everyone. If there was one book, besides the bible, that I would recommend everyone read, it would be this book! It’s about a young man who doesn’t know how to tell the president of his company that he is making serious mistakes. He looks for help from his friends who are knowledgeable about the problems that this young man is facing. Through stories and examples he learns how to apologize and what he must do to help the president see and admit his mistakes. He wants to help the president, but the president doesn’t want to see the truth of the matter and if things don’t change and he doesn’t take accountability, apologize for his mistakes, and make changes, his company will fall apart!
Many people have so much ego, they have a very difficult time realizing and admitting when they are wrong! That is the toughest part, admitting wrong! How many people have hurt a spouse, sibling, son or daughter, any family member, boss, client, employer, employee, friend, relative,or anyone by something they did or said? Most everyone has offended or hurt someone else at one time or another, either intentionally or unintentionally! But, how many have had the humility and integrity to sincerely apologize for what they have done, and then proved it by their actions?
Ego is hard to let go of. It is who we are! We want to be well thought of. If we humble ourselves, our covering is washed away, we could never let that happen, could we? Self confidence is totally different it is believing in yourself and what you are capable of doing and knowing who you are as a person, coupled with God confidence it is a good thing, ego however can be a bad thing, if it drives us in the wrong direction! God tells us in Proverbs 16:19 that it is better to have a humble spirit with the lowly, than to be with the proud.
The truth hurts! When you admit you have been wrong, it is embarrassing and humiliating isn’t it? But the truth also sets you free! What a weight off of your mind and shoulders! “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32: When you avoid telling the truth, the problem, whatever it is will spin out of control and then after awhile you can’t control the problem! The problem controls you! So many times, we start to analyze a situation and reason that if we tell the truth, we will be hated, spit upon, lose our job, be looked down on, etc. You can name any scenario that could make you hesitate to be truthful, can’t you?
The bottom line is, ALWAYS DO THE RIGHT THING, no matter what the outcome will be. It doesn’t matter because you will be blessed for being truthful! But, saying you are sorry and truly apologizing isn’t the end of the story, you can’t stop there, what else do you think you must do?
To be continued….
For those in Lexington and London areas and would like to know more about Christian Living please click here or here, or you may e-mail me.
Sources:
.org
“The One Minute Apology”
Comments
Indeed, ego is at the very heart of fundamentalist religion.
Don't just say "sorry". Actions speak louder than words. Thanks Judy. Got your email notification ;) Pray that it keeps up.
Closely connected to ego is hypocrisy, which the Pharisee's of Christ's day refused to see in themselves, right? (Matthew 23:3, 13, 38) It is hard for men in positions of status to admit what the true apostle Peter actually says in Acts 10:34. Just as Job couldn't see his choosing to associate with workers of iniquity, as he walked with wicked men to be a sin in his own eyes either, right? (Job 34:7, 8) At least until this younger man (Elihu) pointed this out to him right before he was called on the carpet by Jesus Christ as we read in Job 38:2, 15, right?
One of the oldest lies accepted on this earth has been that God will wink at the sins of those He loves, just because they claim to represent God!! (John 8:44, Luke 10:18)
The difference being today it is men who lie who can expect to die, (Revelation 3:9, Revelation 21:8, Revelation 22:15) whereas those angels who followed Satan were held in darkness due to their own rebellion, where they remain to this very day, along with all the 'gods' of this world people worship as false prophets!!! (II Peter 2:1-22)
Only those who knew who they received the gift of God's Holy Spirit from seem to be being blessed today on this earth, even in our own eyes today? (Matthew 16:17, Acts 2:33, 38, Acts 5:32, Mark 3:35) Did you notice how only those who SHALL DO the will of God, was going to become a brother, sister, and mother in Christ's eyes?
Very good and insightful article! Keep up the good work you are doing!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!