Criticism is so rampant in our culture that the accumulated editorial pages of newspapers, posts on blogs or Facebook, exposés published in new books, personal gossip and gripe sessions cannot contain them all. We are a culture characterized by criticism. It is destroying relationships, paralyzing productive discussions, and dividing social institutions necessary in a civilized society. Almost anything that can be imagined is subject to scathing criticism and far from being judged as constructive. Perhaps criticism is the fallout of living in this stress filled culture. Tyler Edwards observes, “There’s something about complaining that makes us feel better. We are kind of like teapots, releasing our stream of complaints to help us deal with the pressure and frustration of everyday life.” Indeed, most criticism indicates we are just letting off steam.
Channing Pollock observes, “A critic is a
legless man who teaches running.” The critic shouts at a wrong but does nothing
to correct it. They scrutinize others only to discover a misstep which they can
spotlight. Theodore Roosevelt wisely concluded, “It is not the critic who
counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the
doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is
actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who
strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is
no effort without error and shortcoming; who does actually try to do the deed…who,
at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” Critics are
great flaw finders but often not as capable in engaging in productive solutions
to rectify a problem.
An unknown sage concludes, “Criticism is
the disapproval of people, not for having faults, but having faults different
from your own.” The greatest common
denominator of humanity is the fact that we are all flawed and prone to fail at
times. Could it be that humans chose to zero in on other’s failures to deflect
the imperfections in their own lives?
One must not become preoccupied and destroyed
by criticism from others. “Don’t be distracted by criticism,” challenges Zig
Zigler. “Remember, the only taste of success some people have is when they take
a bite out of you.” The only critic to pay attention to is the one who observes
a legitimate problem and offers constructive solutions to address the situation.
Such a critic offers perspective. Abraham Lincoln wisely adds, “He has a right
to criticize who has a heart to help.”
There are many biblical characters who had
to endure caustic critics. Moses marched through the wilderness for 40 years
leading a nation of critics. They so discouraged him that at one point he told
the Lord “these critics are killing me” (Numbers 11:11-15). Nehemiah was
engaged in an assignment from the Lord that no one else was willing to address
– rebuild the destroyed walls of Jerusalem. He was surrounded by cultural critics
disparaging his efforts (Nehemiah 2:10, 19-20). He stayed focused and responded,
“the God of heaven will help us succeed. We his servants will start rebuilding
this wall.” The best way to answer the criticism of sidewalk supervisors is to
stay at the task God has given you to do.
The New Testament leaders had their share
of critics too. The apostles of the early church were criticized in the way they
were feeding the needy, possibly insinuating the apostles may be prejudice. The
apostles wisely considered the criticism and devised an alternative plan. It is
interesting that the critics saw a problem but did not offer to lift a finger
to address it (Acts 6:1-7). Paul was criticized because he was not the greatest
orator. Yet he was willing to preach the good news with boldness and even
suffer for doing so. Meanwhile others were content to be speech critics (2
Corinthians 11). Too often such critics only discourage. Mark Twain warns
critics, “If you have no will to change it, you have no right to criticize it.”
One must be careful to not give too much attention to critics. Learn from the
experience but stay on the course you believe you have been assigned.
Is there a place for constructive
criticism? Certainly. However, let that be like the criticism Frank A. Clark
describes. “Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s
growth without destroying his roots.” If you have received criticism lately, be
careful how you view it. Winston Churchill, who frequently dealt with critics
said, “Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the
same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy
state of things.”
The general principle to guide our
criticism could be, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only
such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace
to those who hear” (Galatians 4:29). Perhaps we should ask, “What I am about to
say, post, or write – does it seek to build up or break down?” Would there be
less criticism if this Scripture were considered before we speak?
