Criticism


"... 'Aaron and Miriam!' he (God) called, and they stepped forward. And the Lord said to them,'Now listen to what I say: ... Of all my house, he (Moses) is the one I trust. ... He sees the Lord as he is. So why were you not afraid to criticize my servant Moses?' ..."  Numbers 12

As a soccer family for many years, I've seen youth sports bring out the worst in parents, including me. There is some sort of validation found in us parents whose children perform well. Likewise, there is some sort of diminishing of significance if one's child doesn't. This warped reality can lead to the most vicious and visceral criticizing imaginable. Coaches are maligned. Referees are met with screamed vitriol. Children fear the ride home from the game where they are berated for failure. They are taught to criticize teammates, coaches and referees with disdain. What ever happened to fun? 

Moses' brother and sister got stuck on the criticism crazy train. They didn't think much of the fact that their brother was the one calling the shots. Envy took root in their hearts. Instead of supporting him, they lay in wait for an opportunity to tear him down. When he chose to marry a foreign woman, they attacked. Undoubtedly, they had been whispering behind his back for awhile. As it turns out, their marriage criticism was just a smokescreen for their real intent -- the desire to be first. God made very clear they had crossed a line they had better never cross again.    

Why are we all so quick to criticize? We take aim at each other mercilessly. We dish it out, but can't take it. We rationalize it by placing the word "constructive" in front of it. Truth is, we're all easy targets. Until love is our motivation, until the other person's best life is our passion, until we are committed to humbly and sacrificially serve them, it's best to be very slow to speak. For any of us reeling from hurtful criticism, know you are priceless in the eyes God. For any of us who are quick to take aim at others, please take a deep breath, step back and invite Jesus to help you speak life into the hearts of others.

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