WHAT ABOUT CRITICISM?
November 23, 2020
Prayer: Dear Lord, please continue to lead and guide Your Christian educators. Please protect us from any evil plans of the enemy. May You be honored in all that we do in Your precious name. Amen.
If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism, you will be honored (Proverbs 13:18 NLT).
How much energy we sometimes waste arguing and fussing against our critics. What if we took the premise that there just might possibly be something the critic is saying that could improve our performance? After all, most great performers and artists employ critics to point out flaws and challenges in their products. Writers employ editors, sometimes at great cost. And here are these individuals bent on giving us this service for free. Even if their criticism is not accurate, it is free and might possibly teach us something. God’s word here is wise in that we can prevent entering into conflict with a critic by simply thanking him or her for their perspective and assuring them that we will “give the suggestion the thought it deserves.” If our goal is to exercise our oneness with Christ by promoting love for others and especially unity with other believers, then why risk hostility when we can choose to look for a drop of silver lining in the unrequested cloud of criticism that occasionally comes our way? Think about that as your day goes on. Oh, one more idea–Why not pray for God’s love to bless the critic as well as yourself?
Copyright Dan Elliott. Email [email protected]
Thank you so much for pointing out our need to accept criticism and use it for our own growth. I can remember a time, earlier in my career, when a critique felt like an insult. Now, I see it so differently, but it is nice to be reminded. Also, praying for those whose job it is to critique can soften their approach. Chances are, they also felt the same way when they were new teachers.
A great reminder and word to the wise.
Thank you Dan, another great devotional!