Tuesday, March 24 2009
ISAIAH 10
Key Verse: Isaiah 10:15 “Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? Or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? ...”
What is criticism?
Criticism is defined as unfavorable judgment or expression of disapproval. Someone says, “The goal of criticism is to help someone to be the best they can if they are humble enough to receive them. Many have failed to receive criticisms that count from their spouses, bosses, pastors, leaders, parents, friends, etc., and have caused them their jobs, careers, family, relationships, ministry and even their lives!
1. The Source of Criticisms
Who criticized you? Is the person who criticizes you loves you and have the best interest for you? When you receive criticisms from God through His Bible, preaching, godly Christian parents or friends, count them with joy as you know that God desires you to be a mature Christian. The people in Isaiah time were so proud that they refused to receive criticisms from God and His prophets, and repent of their evil ways, and instead thought that they had made it on their own!
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
2. The Approach to Criticisms
There are 2 extremes in approaching criticism. One is to take them seriously and get discouraged and depressed over what others disapproved of your behavior and actions. The other is to take them lightly and ignore them completely. Both are wrong as the best way is to ascertain whether the criticism is factual, objective and useful and will help you in your career, marriage, family, relationship or ministry.
Proverbs 27:5 “Open rebuke is better than secret love.”
3. The Attitude to Criticisms
Listen to criticisms with an open and loving heart and thank the critics. Do not be defensive, and even worst be offensive, and get angry and lose your cool. Humble yourself and know that God has allowed criticisms to test our faith and trust in Him. God shall judge your critics who are bent to destroy and slander you!
James 1:19-20, 4:10-11 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up. Speak not evil one of another, brethren ...”
Food for Thought
The worst critic is your best teacher and it will either bring out the best or worst in you.