Criticism Sample of
Daily Encounter by Dick Innes
"He [Jesus] did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he
suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in
the hands of God, who always judges fairly" (1 Peter 2:23,
NLT).
"He who fears criticism," declared Thomas Jefferson, "is
hopeless. Only those who do things are criticized. The idler
is lost sight of in the march of events--but the doer is
watched and criticized. To hesitate for fear of criticism loses
the battle while the doers march on to victory and triumphs.
"If your cause is right, be not afraid of criticism: Advocate it,
expound it, and, if need be, fight for it. Critics always will be,
but to the strong-minded they are a help rather than a
hindrance. As the horse spurts forward when prodded
with the spur, so the doers forge ahead under the last of
criticism. Take your part on life's stage and play your part
to the end. Stand for that which is good [that which is right].
Be a doer, not a drone. Look the world in the face and let
the critics criticize."
The fact is those who achieve anything worthwhile in life
are bound to be the target for the jabs and jibes of jealous
lesser men. Furthermore, the person who, for fear of
criticism, tries to please everyone, ends up pleasing no one.
Realize, too, that an incessant, negative criticizer with a chip
on his/her shoulder is basically an angry person. They have
never resolved their hurts from the past and are looking for
hooks to hang their anger on. That is, they are projecting
their anger and/or failures onto others rather than accepting
the responsibility for their own unresolved issues.
On the other hand, when constructive criticism is given, let's
accept it in the spirit in which it is given, evaluate it realistic-
ally, and make changes where necessary. This is a
characteristic of a mature person.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be Christ-
like when criticized in that I accept all criticism in a mature
manner and don't become defensive. Wherever the criticism
is valid, help me to accept it gladly and make changes
accordingly. Thank you for hearing and answering my
prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
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