EARNING THE RIGHT TO CRITICIZE

EARNING THE RIGHT TO CRITICIZE

"Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be
judged. The Judge is standing at the door!" -- James 5:9

In more youthful student days I attended a local church
youth group that had lots of youth but little life. I was
asked by the leaders what I thought of the group. I said I
didn't feel that I had a right to criticize unless I was
willing to do something about it.

Me and my big mouth! They asked me if I would be willing to
do something about it. I said I would. . .and ended up
having a great time for the next couple of years.

It is very easy to grumble about and criticize what others
are doing when we're not involved. As another has said, "It
is easy to sit up and take notice. What is difficult is to
get up and take action."

I remember reading about an evangelist who was criticized by
someone who told him they didn't like the way he did his
evangelism (preaching), to which he replied, "I don't
particularly like the way I do it either. How do you do it?"
The critic said they didn't do it. The preacher was rather
blunt when he replied, "Well, I like the way I'm doing it
better than the way you're not doing it." He did have a
point!

"Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me not to
criticize others who are doing a work that I'm not involved
in. And should I have a genuine complaint, help me to be
willing to do something about rectifying the situation.
Gratefully in Jesus' name. Amen."

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