Monday, July 7, 2008

Criticism Is A Growth Challenge

With every word spoken
and every thought imagined,
hearts and spirits are broken.

An unblinking stare
and a raised eyebrow
burns through the heart, whether justified
or unfair.

Jokes and poking fun
can open wounds as if from a gun.

Through it all, remember the Son
and all that He has done,
for God is the true judging One.

Don't take the blame or feel ashamed.
When those times come,
remember to call upon His name.

Mother and Child by Mary Cassatt
Mother and Child

A critic's ultimate victim is himself. He robs himself of seeing the wonders of God in each person, situation, and environment. Like a thief in the night, criticism can steal self-esteem, happiness, motivation, and confidence. Criticism and judgment is a double-edged sword that swings toward the unsuspecting, often innocent, person and then returns like a boomerang to the critic.

As Christians, we are human and we can't help but feel a sense of hurt and disappointment when criticism and judgment are lodged against us. however, we have Someone to turn to for comfort.


Christ's death has made us guiltless in God's sight, and His perspective is the only one that's true.

More important than our hurt feelings, is our responsibility to help the critic. Yes, help the person who complains all the time. If we look closer, we often see a person who is unhappy, insecure, and in search of attention. We may find a person who does not know God or has not grown in her understanding of the love and security He gives to His followers. It would be a shame if we focused on the criticism instead of on the needs of the person who is saying these negative things and thereby missed a chance to work for Christ's Kingdom.

Tune Out the Negative and Turn Up Christ!
  • What God knows abut us is more important than what someone says or thinks.
  • If you look for something wrong, that is what you will find.
  • Criticism chokes Christ and His joy out of our lives and the lives of others.
  • God accepts us as we are, so there is no reason to e concerned with criticism by anyone other than Him.
  • Weigh what you do. Was what you said a criticism, opinion, or an effort to help?
  • If you listen to negative comments all day without saying anything positive, it is just as if you said those same harsh things yourself. Speak up for Christ. Consciously counter negative comments with positive ones and watch others catch on to positive communications.
  • Remember that Jesus was criticized -- and He lived a perfect life!
Heavenly Father, help me to always look for the positive, share a good word, and uplift others. I seek to honor You with my thoughts, actions, and words. Father God, thank You for allowing me to return honor to You by seeing others with the eyes of Christ -- with love and acceptance. Amen

Mimi

References: No compromises
Rhonda Owen-Smith
All posters

24 comments:

Mary said...

Mimi,

What an inspirational post. Thanks for reminding me to look for only the good in people around me.

Have a wonderful week.
Blessings,
Mary

Anonymous said...

Mimi,thank you for this great post.I hope that you had an enjoyable weekend. thats my story and I'm sticking to it. hugs and blessings.

Tracy said...

This post is so powerful, and so true! Thank you for sharing.

Hugs and blessings mimi sent your way.

I always love coming to your blog, as it always makes me think, and helps me grow.

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

Mimi,

I need this post so much today. Thank-you....Mary

Hopefulsl said...

AMEN TO THAT!!!! Boy i picked the perfect timing to visit your blog.
I will remind myself now when there is negativity around me to just remember what i had just read from your blog....
Thanks Mimi for starting my day off right.
Hugs and Blessings sent you way!
Love Stacy

Tracy said...

Thank you Mimi for another wonderful post. It is very thought provoking, and has a powerful message.

Hugs and blessings sent your way.

Tracy said...

btw i had to come by here twice, since the first time was so powerful in reading. Hope you dont mind.

Cathy said...

That was very good, Mimi. I need to read it more than once too.

Beverly said...

Mimi, this was excellent to read - wonderful reminders. I know that I needed to hear a lot of these things. Sorry I haven't been commenting as much lately, I have had my hands full :-) But I think of you often! Lots of love to you and your husband.

Ruthie said...

Very nice - as always. I enjoy coming to your blog so much. It's always so inspiring and I love the pictures!
Blessings.

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

Say a prayer for me because my Mom and sister are just like this. They complain all day long about everything. Postive things rarely come out of their mouths.
I really want to see beyond their complaints. But sometimes it is hard to. Very good post.
Sending you love, Nita

Brit. (lille meg) said...

Thank you for this post, Mimi!

Maxine said...

This is so good, Mimi! I really like the perspective here of caring about the negative person. It is so true that so often that person is hurting inside and has an unfulfilled need or feels little worth. Thanks for sharing these very good insights. Actually, they are a positive help for me as I know folks such as these.

Anonymous said...

Mimi,
This post is very humbling. Thank you.
Miriam~~~<><~~~~

Unknown said...

This was a very good post.It was a Blessing to me.
Be Blessed~ Lisa

Brit. (lille meg) said...

Hi! I have an award waiting for you on my blog. Please go and get it, it is well deserved.

Melissa said...

A critic's ultimate victim is himself. He robs himself of seeing the wonders of God in each person, situation, and environment.

Yes, help the person who complains all the time. If we look closer, we often see a person who is unhappy, insecure, and in search of attention.

Two very important truths.

Did you know I sit on your posts. I often read them and save them. That is why it often takes me so long to comment. They are worth rumination.

nannykim said...

Some good points. As I was reading and thinking about it , I wondered how this related to how Christ approached the scribes and Pharasees (I can't remember the proper spelling). I think he was tough on religious leaders that were leading others astray. I am not sure He said positive things to them. So it would be interesting to hear your comments on that whole aspect. But I think it is true that the critic is often the one that needs the help. (hey, see--I made a sort-of critical comment and now I need some help to sort it all out!!)

Joyce's Ramblings said...

Mimi,
Oh, did I need or do I need this post!!
Have a great weekend and week. I got to spend some time with the youngest of my greats. She has started walking. (The fun begins) The 3&4 yr. old also.

Susan said...

Wow, this was just amazing Mimi!

You gave me a lot to think about this morning.

Blessings to you my friend♥

~~Deby said...

Excellant post...and on a day I am feeling a bit wounded....
Deby

Tracy said...

Hi Mimi,

I have given you an award over on my page, please stop by and pick it up. Hugssss and blessings sent your way.

Saija said...

you are always so faithful ... in your posts ... may the Lord bless you for it!

Anonymous said...

Mimi,
You are in my prayers.
Miriam~~~<><~~~~