Tuesday, April 28, 2015

When is Criticizing an Acceptable Habit?

              According to Oswald Chambers, in his famous devotional booklet My Utmost for His Highest, criticizing is never an acceptable habit. Ouch! I yield far too often to this habit. But Mr. Chamber’s words encourage me to repent:
              “Criticism is a part of the ordinary faculty of man; but in the spiritual domain nothing is accomplished by criticism. The effect of criticism is a dividing  up of the one criticized; the Holy Ghost is the only one in the true position to criticize, He alone is able to show what is wrong without hurting and wounding.”

              “It is impossible to enter into communion with God when you are in a critical temper; it makes you hard and vindictive and cruel, and leaves you with the flattering unction that you are a superior person.”
               “Stop having a measuring rod for other people. There is a always one fact more in every man’s case about which we know nothing . . . I have never met the man I could despair of after discerning what lies in me apart from the grace of God.”

                 Yes, some people are rude. Some even treat me meanly, or with condescension. But that doesn't excuse me criticizing them, for Jesus reminds me that if not for His grace, I’d be like them. Or worse.

        I’d like to develop the better habit of complimenting others, and bring out the best in them. Perhaps I won’t have the opportunity to compliment the very ones who hurt or wrong me. But I can compliment someone. You, for instance:

                I appreciate you taking the time to visit here when you could be elsewhere.                                        
               I appreciate your words of encouragement.         
               I’m glad we’re friends. 
                
              You make my life better. 
                                                 Thanks for being you! 




8 comments:

  1. Thanks for the challenge to check my tongue before the criticism is spoken. I'm glad you're my friend as well.

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  2. Jesus, Himself, told us not to talk about the sawdust in another's eye until we deal with the mote in our own. This is a big lesson to learn.

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  3. Awww...thanks Jeanette! The only think I would add is that we should not be hypercritical towards ourselves either. We are precious, and need to treat ourselves that way. Don't be rude! Treat yourself with respect.
    Blessings!
    Ceil

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    1. "should not be hypercritical towards ourselves either."


      GOOD POINT!

      How are you, Ceil? Good to see you here!

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  4. You are truly awesome, love you.

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  5. Thank you! This was good to read...and SO true!


    "Yes, some people are rude. Some even treat me meanly, or with condescension."



    Sometimes this is just a mask for insecurity.


    " I’d like to develop the better habit of complimenting others, and bring out the best in them. Perhaps I won’t have the opportunity to compliment the very ones who hurt or wrong me. But I can compliment someone."


    This is a much better way to live!!! :-)

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  6. While reading my cheeks started burning and I felt ashamed. Yes, I too criticize, make judgement on people's behaviour and appearance. I stop myself mid sentence at times when I become aware of my cutting tongue. It appears I need reminding to be done with this despicable behaviour so unworthy of me and shameful to my Maker. To all those I have in any way offended I offer my apologies.

    Thank you Jeanette. I needed that!! x

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  7. And I appreciate you! Criticism and blame can be so harmful, especially by and to those we admire and respect, which tends to be one's close to us. So important to recognized that criticism generally comes from our own brokenness and expectations-a need for things to be different so I can feel better about myself! By developing my character around how God sees me, naturally my critical judgemental nature decreases. I like how Donald Miller sums it up when dealing with criticism against us---20% of people won't like (be critical of) you no matter our good intentions, so we do need a thick skin but must keep a soft heart.

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Oh, it's YOU! I'm so happy to see you here today, and look forward to reading your comments.