July 30, 2000


Volume XX - Number 31  

Criticism
____________________________________ Dub McClish

Jesus warned His disciples that some would reproach them and say all sorts of evil things against them (Matthew 5:11,12). His people can expect no less today. Even occasional criticism is painful. It is so painful that some have quit serving as elders, others have even quit the church completely because of it. Countless good works are never even begun because of fear of criticism.

Some folks major in criticism. Jesus warns us not to when He says, "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matthew 7:1). Not all criticism is forbidden, but those who spend most of their time in the faultfinding business are surely rebuked in this statement. Some outside the church delight in criticizing God's people. Some inside the church seem to lie in ambush for an elder or the preacher to make a mistake and then attack with devilish glee. We should not forget that our Lord was the only perfect man who ever lived, and still He was criticized constantly. It might be good to remember that sometimes it is easier to please God than man.

How should we react to criticism? We should do right in spite of it. Jesus would not be deterred from His purpose by the critics: "...My meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to accomplish his work" (John 4:34). Think of our terrible plight if Christ had let criticism defeat Him! Remember that we are in the God pleasing rather than the man-pleasing business (Galatians 1:10). We must not yield to the temptation to say, "What's the use?" and quit when we are criticized.

Some criticism is designed for our profit. The critic is genuinely trying to help us and will do so, if we let him. Such should not be considered an enemy for telling the truth (Galatians 4:16). Surely, none of us is above criticism. Much criticism, however, is aimed at hurting - it is for the benefit of the critic rather than the one being criticized. Such assassins may make a frontal attack where several others can hear, or they may drop an ominous suggestion here and there. They may use an anonymous call or letter to open up a full-scale slander campaign, all the while claiming to "love" the target!

We should try to live so criticisms are not justified. Remember that the more you try to do, the more you will be criticized. If you must criticize, be helpful, not hurtful.


AM SERMON:
"In the Last Days"
(1 Timothy 4:1-5)
Carlton Hyde
PM SERMON:
"Upon this rock I will build my church"
(Matthew 16:16-18)
Carlton Hyde


Improve your attitude within the church: if you are old, treat the young with the consideration you desired as a young person. If you are young, treat adults with the respect you will want when you are mature. (1 Timothy 5:1-2)


Tonight...

We meet each Sunday evening at 5:30 for a few minutes of prayer. Join us in classroom #3. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

Our youngsters meet at 5:40 here in the auditorium for a few minutes of story and song. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

All are invited to meet with us in the annex, tonight after the evening services, for our monthly last Sunday fellowship. We will honor those with birthdays and anniversaries in this month. Members should bring finger foods. "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;."

 

August Calendars

The August edition of the Orange Street Activities Calendar and Men To Serve List is available to day in the foyer. Be sure to get your copy and be informed of the activities and duty assignments for the coming month.

Change Your Directory

These members have recently moved. Please make the following changes in your directories:

WEST, Darin........................................ ///-////
////// ////////// ////////// - ////////////////// //////////////

FOWLER, Heather..................................///-////
///////// /////////////////// - ////////////// //////////////////

Mary Garrett, Don & Sheila Adkins, Juanita Ashley, Frances Black, Heather Fowler,
B.C. Carr, Sue Church, Norris Clark, Pansy Sims, Tammy Amidon, Robert Cox,
Earl & Vernon Wilkes, Macon & Wilda Cox, Vannie Dowdy, Frances Austin,

Ervin & Alma Eubanks, Mona Howard, Sherry Hobbs, Mattie Hughs, Olivia Miner,
Cliff Powell, Alzonio Rhodes, Latanea Sims, Sherry Taylor, Ray McNeely,

Vera Willis, Vernon Wilkes, Doc Anderson, Elizabeth Gillespie,
Talmadge Royal, Victoria Wooster