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.