I do not like criticism.
Sometimes it comes from a conceited blowhard—a know-it-all who builds themselves up by tearing others down. Then, there are those compassionate friends whose desire is to help us, though they must hurt us in doing so.
If the criticism is a poison pill, spit it out! If it is real medicine, though bitter, swallow it!
James stated this principle, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20).
BE SWIFT TO HEAR. Listen—really listen—to what the critic says. Even in the worst criticism—99% slander—the 1% may be true and thus, helpful. Indeed, 100% is sometimes accurate, and like a surgeon’s scalpel it cuts, but then cures, hurts and then heals, if we submit to the operation.
BE SLOW TO SPEAK. I struggle at times with listening—really listening—because I am already thinking of responding. Those initial responses may be improper ones, because I have not heard and reflected fully on what the critic was saying. We need to calm down, concentrate, and comprehend fully what is being said as we commit ourselves to correction where needed.
BE SLOW TO WRATH. Emotions are powerful. Anger that simmers, steams up as rage, and explodes into wrath if we do not rely on the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23). A bulldog can whip a skunk, but is it worth it?
Put yourself in God’s hands by submitting to Him. He hears and will turn the criticism to good, while dealing with the critic as He sees fit. He can handle them without our help.
No comments:
Post a Comment