Have you ever tried to learn something on your own?
When I think of picking up skills, I think of the time I tried to learn French. I collected DIY books and CDs and set myself up to master this language in a matter of months. The books promised results and I fully expected them.
Imagine my surprise when things didn’t go as planned! I found the French instructions difficult to follow and I became confused. I tried and tried but eventually became frustrated and quit. However, before completely losing hope I applied for a French immersion course.
Ten days before the program I was accepted. With great anticipation, I dropped all my plans, packed my bags, and left for Quebec.
It was the most intense, tiring, and stressful time of my life. Not only did I realize (quickly) how much I had to learn but also every day I was learning 100 per cent more than I knew the day before. My brain was full and I was exhausted from trying to communicate all day, every day, en francais.
I returned home a few weeks later with a working knowledge of French and a newfound respect for the trained teacher.
It is this concept of experience versus guided experience, which Chuck Swindoll draws on in his message Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Confrontation. He said without guided instruction, it will take you much longer to grasp a concept and you will most likely miss something along the way.
“What’s the difference between experience and guided experience? Confrontation. Someone who will have the heart to look you in the eye and say, ‘you’re not doing this right…this way is better.’”
Through examples in Matthew 16, Luke 22, and verses in Proverbs, Chuck teaches us when to confront, why we confront, and how to confront. He said confrontation is an art to be learned and “…a face-to-face encounter with one with love and care for. To speak the truth regarding something that needs attention.” And what better person to learn the art of confrontation from but Jesus Himself?
We want to give you this CD message free of charge
Just call us at 1.800.663.7639 in the month of July 2010 and ask for Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Confrontation.
What have you tried to learn on your own? Were you successful? What did you take from that experience?
By Robyn Roste
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