Everywhere you look, it is easy to find something to complain about. However, most of the time we turn our complaints into criticism.
I am sure that YOU aren’t critical, but you know plenty of people who are. They find something wrong in just about anything they deal with. They can even find something wrong when nothing is wrong. And this is not something new.
Jesus once dealt with the issue when He talked about judging others. He pointed out that we have to live up to the standard that we hold others to. And then, He told one of the funniest yet impactful parables to explain. He said in Matthew 7:3-5, “Why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the beam of wood in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a beam of wood in your own eye? Hypocrite! First take the beam of wood out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye.”
Clearly, a beam of wood is much bigger than a splinter, but many of us look for splinters everywhere. I wonder if it is because we don’t want to deal with the beam in our own eye. It is easier to point out someone else’s issues than deal with our own.
We need to realize how devastating a critical spirit is. It is such a big issue that God hates it. It eats away at our relationships with others and our relationship with God. It is not a laughing matter.
That is why Jesus said that it is hypocritical unless we first deal with the beam in our own eye. Only then can we see clearly.
Let’s choose to hold off on being critical. Instead, let’s first deal with our own hearts. It is far better to be right with God than to be right in our own eyes.
When Dr. Jay Cook is asked to share a little of himself; his reply is, “Good question. I ask it a lot.” His delight is sharing that he is a blessed man – married to a wonderful woman (Kristi Cook) – and awed by his two amazing kids (Jameson & Amelia Rose). He has served in ministry for over 30 years and loves to help others in any way he can. Jay is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Leake County Baptist Association, and a part of an amazing new church (3:16 church) in Canton, MS. He also helps other churches (as he is able) through revivals, conferences, or however God leads. He shares his thoughts of a man just trying to live for Jesus (and wanting to help others do the same) through his blog at Dr. Jay Cook.
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Books by Dr. Jay Cook
What could I possibly do for God?
That is a question that so many of us ask. We see the “celebrities” doing great things. We see people who have incredible abilities that we don’t think we have. We don’t want to just sit around, but we don’t know what to do.
BUT – Christians already have what they need to do what God wants them to do!
Take this journey of discovering how God has already gifted you through what the Bible calls, “Spiritual Gifts.” You will find the excitement that you know we ought to have. You will please God. And your church will never be the same.
Love it!! When one wants to criticize, the focus should be shifted from personal condemnation to the spiritual correction of error. True criticism, or “higher criticism,” should be based on divine Love to heal, elevate, and rectify, rather than tear down.
Your friend – His servant,
Isaac Otieno