“Think On These Things” B101.5FM Radio Message 8/4/17

Critical People! AHHHHH! GRRRR….Where do I begin? Well first off, by not criticizing – critical people.

Here’s the math– criticism plus criticism just brings more criticism.

We all know the sting of negative criticism and critical people. Hey – I’m a songwriter – and – I’m in full time Ministry – I’m the perfect target for criticism. But I’ve learned something very important along the way. Godly counsel builds up, which produces excellence, change and growth – Negative criticism only tears down, which produces – nothing!

There are many reasons for people who always feel the need to ‘negatively criticize’ other people. With all the reason’s, emotionally, spiritually, relationally, etc., that could be explored and determined, the ultimate conclusion is to just be determined to demonstrate love, prayer, and understanding. And please do your very best not to return criticism for criticism. Remember the math? It’s a one-way street to nowhere!

This does not mean that you have to subject yourself constantly to an overly critical person, or one who even has an abusive critical spirit and approach. If that’s the case, speak to someone with godly wisdom and maturity in your family, church leadership, even at the job. But if there is someone in your life that seems to move in that ‘always has something negative or critical to say’ type of personality, you will find that the power of love and prayer will change things.

‘Godly counsel builds up …negative criticism only tears down…’ Click To Tweet

What’s most important concerning the topic of criticism, is that we all examine ourselves, our hearts, our approach, and our vocabulary. Luke 6:31 has come to be known as ‘The Golden Rule’, Jesus said: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” There will be many occasions where your influence as a parent, leader, coach, boss, etc., will be absolutely beneficial to help, bless, instruct, motivate, challenge, even correct someone, in order to bring them to greater places of service, improvement, excellence, understanding, accomplishment, and achievement. In all of these cases, please remember that God’s word teaches us to ‘Speak the truth – in Love: ‘Instead, we will speak the truth in Love, growing in every way more and more like Christ..’ [Ephesians 4:15].

Now it is true, there were times when the words of Jesus did not sound like love, especially when rebuking or exposing hypocrisy, but regardless of how people took it, or judged His heart or motives – the truth is the truth! There are just some things He had to say that did not come in a tone of what humans (or those being exposed), feel, should sound ‘loving’, or, ‘graceful’. But either way, in these moments, He spoke from a heart of Righteous indignation, dipped in Holy Love.

Finally, before you attempt to speak the truth in love, make sure you know what the truth is.
‘For the Word of the Lord is is right, and all His works are done in truth.’ [Psalm 33:4]
Jesus said: “Father, sanctify them by the truth, Your word is truth.” [John 17:17]

 

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