Criticism hurts others while changing the critic for the worse.
“I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.” Nehemiah 6:3 NKJV.
My thoughts and comments today are about “critics and criticism.”
If criticism bothers you too much, you are not doing something important enough to ignore it. Read Nehemiah 6:1-9 NKJV. Nehemiah withstood withering criticism by his conviction that he was obeying God. His response was simple and clear, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.” Nehemiah 6:3 NKJV. Don’t let your critics “get you down.”
Here’s what I know about criticism: you can expect it and you will be wise to evaluate it. Everyone experiences criticism, some is deserved and some is not. And you won’t like criticism when it occurs; it hurts. Criticism can mean that you are doing something that is not appreciated or approved by others. Occasionally, your critics may be right. In those times, criticism can be beneficial. Your challenge is two-fold. First, learn how to handle all criticism in a positive way. Secondly, learn to distinguish constructive criticism from destructive criticism.
Constructive criticism is helpful. Solomon wrote, “If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.” Proverbs 15:31-32 NLT. Destructive criticism can hurt more than your feelings. But be careful; the first often feels very much like the latter, even when it’s not. Harmful criticism can change your motivation, dampen your passion for doing the right thing, or cause greater concern for pleasing people than pleasing God. “Our purpose is to please God, not people. He is the one who examines the motives of our hearts.” Read 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6 NLT.
Don’t wrap yourself in the protective coat of not caring what others say or think. Of course, you care; you should. Just be sure you care most about what God says and thinks. “We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what He wants to do in your lives and we ask Him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom.” Read Colossians 1:9-11 NLT. Amen to that!
It won’t feel like it at the moment, but it is better to be the one criticized than to become one who is critical. God pleads the case of the just. Criticism that is unkind hurts, but be certain that criticism hurts the critic more. Don’t be a critic. Being critical wounds a person’s spirit. It changes you and not for the better. Be aware. Hurting people hurt people. Don’t join that crowd; you won’t be happy.
Jesus is a wonderful example. The Bible uses an even more hurtful word than criticism. “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth. Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously . . Do not repay evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.” Read 1 Peter 2:19-23 NKJV. But no matter how hard you try, nothing is acceptable to everyone. In those cases, “If it is possible, as far as depends on you, live at peace with everyone . . do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” Read Romans 12:17-18, 21 NIV.
The Bible is very clear but it’s instruction is not easy, “Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and He will bless you for it.” Read 1 Peter 3:9-12 NLT. Don’t be too quick to judge the critic before you judge the criticism. Often, there is a seed of truth buried in criticism that will make you wiser. The Holy Spirit can use criticism to help you examine your motives and methods a little more closely now and in the future.
Today, I pray for you to let God keep your heart.
Christian Communications 2016
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