How many times can we say we have been hurt and wounded by something someone said to us? If we were all sitting in a room together right now we each could probably come up withatime or two inwhich we remember being wounded by someone's words.We all can definatelysay we've been persecuted, criticized, and judged in our walk with Christ by non-believers. But what I'm finding even more common now days is it's found among other believers, our very own brothers and sisters in Christ. We often hear from others "It's only a little constructive criticisim."But that doesn't seemto make us feel better or make the sting of those critical words hurt any less. Is this the very attitude that Christ came to this world and displayed? Jesus simply said, "Judge not, that you be not judged."--Matthew 7:1. It's clear in His words that this was a warning to us.
If he came and taught us differently than what is this so-called constructive criticism? And should this have any place among Christians and in the Church? I truly believe it's just another act of the world, another way that we have conformed, and let the world penetrate us. Romans 12:2 tells us-- Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Oswald Chambers wrote, "Jesus' instructions with regard to judging others is very simply put; He says, "Don't." The average Christian is the most piercingly critical individual known. Criticism is one of the ordinary activities of people, but in the spiritual realm nothing is accomplished by it. The effect of criticism is the dividing up of the strengths of the one being criticized. The Holy Spirit is the only one in the proper position to criticize, and He alone is able to show what is wrong without hurting and wounding."
Somehow we have gotten the idea that criticism does edify and build others up...well at least eventually it does...maybe?It's easy tothink to ourselves "It might hurt this person at first to say this, but I only am saying it to make them better in what they do or who they are."
But where does this critical attitude and spirit get us? Oswald Chambers goes on to say..."It is impossible to enter into fellowship with God when you are in a critical mood. Criticism serves to make you harsh, vindictive, and cruel, and leaves you with the soothing and flattering idea that you are somehow superior to others. Jesus says that as His disciple you should cultivate a temperament that is never critical. This will not happen quickly but must be developed over a span of time. You must constantly beware of anything that causes you to think of yourself as a superior person. There is no escaping the penetrating search of my life by Jesus. If I see the little speck in your eye, it means that I have a plank of timber in my own (see Matthew 7:3-5 ). Every wrong thing that I see in you, God finds in me. Every time I judge, I condemn myself (see Romans 2:17-24 ). Stop having a measuring stick for other people. There is always at least one more fact, which we know nothing about, in every person's situation. The first thing God does is to give us a thorough spiritual cleaning. After that, there is no possibility of pride remaining in us. I have never met a person I could despair of, or lose all hope for, after discerning what lies in me apart from the grace of God."
I would be lying if I said I've never judged or criticized someone else. I also know what it feels like to be on the other side of that too. It hurts enough to say "OUCH." For me personally, I have found the music business to be no different. Being in the spotlight, it's easy for others to forget that you're a regular person just like everyone else. And this kind of attitude almost always makes me feel never good enough, insecure, and doubtful.Many many tears shed on the account of a critical attitude. This is a lesson I have learned very humbly.It's been my prayerthat the words I speak to others be uplifting and encouraging. It wouldbreak my heart to ever find out that my words wounded someone else.
In the world we live in today, I think encouragement is something every single person can say they need at one time or another. WeSOOO desperately need toSEE and alsoSHAREthe love, compassion, kindness,forgiveness, humility, gentleness, and patience that Jesus has given to us.But it's often thethe thing most lacking amoung us. But, we do have a responsibility as Christians to build each other up and encourage one another. I think we often forget this.This is my heart's cry. So in closing, if Jesus tells us not to judge and a critical spirit has no place in fellowship with God, what attitude should we have? And how should we be towards others?
"Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing."--1 Thess. 5:11
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption......Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Eph. 4:29,30,32.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."--Col.3:12-14.