I’ll be the first to admit, it’s easier to criticize than to do something about it. It’s more natural to point out problems than to solve them.
I’d rather rant against “the church” than jump headfirst into making it the glorious extension of Christ it should be.
But you know this. You know there’s enough criticism going on and it isn’t helping anyone. We don’t need people who can point out all the problems.
While it’s easier for me to complain about how no one is “doing church” correctly, and no one is really worshiping on Sunday morning, I realize the problem is myself.
I am a consumer of worship.
I am a drive thru Christian.
I am looking beyond Christ and Him crucified.
I am what I criticize and I’m not doing anything about it.
It’s easy for us (and natural) to think we’re better than we really are. We stand on the pedestal of our pride and point the finger in order to feel better about ourselves.
Aren’t you glad you stopped by the blog today? 🙂
What’s the Alternative?
I don’t intend to slap you in the face. I’m slapping myself…and also challenging you. In your theological conversations with friends; in your rants against the church, slow down.
There’s something you should do instead of criticizing everything in your path.
You know what that is?
Prayer.
When you’re tempted to complain, tempted to criticize, turn it into conversation with God.
For Example…
Rather than saying “I wish these people would worship God with more intensity,”
Say:
“God, help me worship You with all that I am. Save me from finding my joy in the things of this world.”
Or, rather than saying, “My church leaders don’t do anything right,” become what you want to see happen. Our generation is prone to talk more than act.
Don’t criticize unless you are willing to be the change. And even then, spend your energies encouraging and pouring yourself out.
Rather than talking about who’s doing it all wrong, talk about what you’re doing to attack your apathy. Rather than pointing the finger, cry out, “Lord, have mercy on me a sinner.”
It’s just better that way.
Question: How do you keep yourself from a critical spirit? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
Thanks David! Hands up to that here….to my shame.It’s all true, and it so easy to pass judgement over others – thus putting yourself on a great big pedestal! A great reminder to consider others before ourselves,but also to consider GOD the highest and best of all!
So true. I’ve found the more I can provide solutions rather than pointing out problems, the better off I am. Thanks!
You’re right, it is much easier to be critical than to do something proactive about it.
When I find myself falling into this trap, I take a step back and pray. I also ask God to show me what it is he wants to change in my life or what he is working on. Knowing that I am not perfect helps me to be less critical of others. After realizing my limits, I like to take time time to say a few nice things about others/organization I was feeling negative towards, both help give me greater perspective. After all, we are all human and imperfect. We all need grace.
Wow, great tips. I can feel my flesh struggling with this as I read it. Thanks for sharing!
Be the message. Be a problem solver. Be an encourager.
Thanks for the thoughtful post, mon frere.
Be the message. Love it.
Love that! Be the change, too 🙂
When I find myself wishing this or that person would really “know God” or “Seek God”, is usually is time for me to get there instead of the other person. I don’t know where others sit in relation to God, but sometimes I act like I do.
For all the things that might be said about modern worship, church worship times do a lot to help me stop and realize and reflect on where I have been in the week, close or far from His presence. Joyful or uncomfortable or distracted, to be aware once again that He is and has been and will be is a gift from the greatest Gift, Christ Himself.
So true – It’s so easy to compare myself to others and think “Well they aren’t praying and reading the Bible like I am, or they aren’t as passionate as I am”… Whow, how “holier than thow” is that! Time to step back – I am constantly asking God to help me love how He does, to have compassion for His people, and to see them through His eyes, to be gracious, and to remember my small beginnings… 🙂 Oh wow, God is so good…
Yes He is! Humbling and Inspiring. I hope to realize more of being in step with where and who He is, not just at church, or as a mom, or as a great employee…with Him I just get to be me, and that He seems to work with a whole lot better than the version of me that comes with all the fanfare.
So good, Sheila. How easy it is for us to point the finger, right?
Have you heard the saying “for every one finger pointing out at others, there are at least three pointing right back at you!” ? Not something to say to others, but it helps me sometimes figure out what the source of my own finger pointing might be.
Good stuff. The whole “pray instead of criticize” thing is something I’ve been working on. But it’s gone deeper for me than just criticism.
My criticism was just a less-intense way of cursing someone. And while that’s just plain not nice, it’s also contrary to what Christ commanded. So now I pray a blessing for those I’m criticizing or cursing. It isn’t easy and sometimes I suck at it, but at least I’m working on it 🙂