A thought by Rick Warren,
(2012-10-23) from his book, The Purpose
Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (p. 210). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on
the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)
In this chapter, Rick is dealing with people in the
church. And it is also a good
thought to be carried over to other relationships in our lives.
In dealing with the church though Rick says, “It is
always easier to stand on the sidelines and take shots at those who are serving
than it is to get involved and make a contribution.” And then the Apostle Paul in Romans 14:10
(PH) said, “Why, then, criticize your brother’s actions, why try to make him
look small? We shall all be judged one day, not by each other’s standards or
even our own, but by the standard of Christ.”
Rick then says, “Whenever I judge another believer,
four things instantly happen: I lose fellowship with God, I expose my own pride
and insecurity, I set myself up to be judged by God, and I harm the fellowship
of the church. A critical spirit is a costly vice.”
Paul also said in Romans 14:19 (MSG), “Let’s agree
to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with
encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault.”
We all need each other’s encouragement, don’t
we? We don’t need to do the Enemy’s work
for him. The Bible says that he is “the
accuser of our brothers.” Encourage each
other. Life is tough and we really do
need each other.
Now if you are slipping into criticizing others
then stop and see where it is coming from.
There is probably something that you need to deal with in your own self. Maybe it is pride or maybe some unconfessed
sin or even some unforgiveness toward someone.
Let the Holy Spirit search your heart and show you where the critical
spirit is coming from.
Also understand that you are planting seeds of criticism
in your own life. What you do will come
back to you.
So are you a critic or an encourager?
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