Critters

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. – Ephesians 4:15

Are you bogged down by people's opinion of you? Do you constantly worry about what people say about you and what they think? If you answered yes to both questions, I have news for you. The bottom line is if you are breathing, you will be criticized – someone, somewhere is going to have a problem with something you do at one time or another. When we feel that we are constantly being criticized, some self-evaluation may be necessary. Are you a critical person yourself such that you are simply getting back what you are putting out? Or are you just being picked on because people see something on the inside of you they wished that they had? How is the criticism coming across? Is it in a loving humble manner or like a put down?

I always wonder why people spend their time criticizing others. Not being much of a gossiper or a critic myself, I can’t help but envy people who have a lot of extra time on their hands. A critical spirit can be a learned behavior. If one grew up in a critical environment, they are more likely to possess a critical spirit as an adult. Knowing this allows me to view my critics differently. I can sympathize with them as being a product of their environment. We must all learn not to react negatively or expend useful energies at people who are critical of us. Understand that anytime you react to your critics, you are indirectly telling them that they are important. You unconsciously give them a certain amount of power over your life that they don’t deserve.

Truth us, It really doesn't matter what people say or what they do or think. How well do they know you anyway? You must understand that their assessment of you and/or your situation is based entirely on whatever they think they know about you – however little that is! Their sum total of your entire situation and your life is based on what they heard or what you might have said in the heat of the moment. Besides, when you turn around and take a critical look at your critic, you may realize that they are far from the experts they portray themselves to be. What they are talking about may not even line up with the Word of God which is the instruction manual from which every believer must operate.

There is constructive and damaging criticism. The attitude and demeanor of the person doing the criticizing will often determine how we determine whether what they are saying is to help us or to tear us down. I have had some criticism that came across in the wrong way but on reflection and study, was able to use it in a constructive way to better my life. Not everyone – even Christians, will be able to criticize in love but that is what the Bible calls us to do. We are called to always speak the truth in love. Having the ability to humbly criticize others requires some level of maturity that most of us just don’t have.

Either way - understand that all that they do can never harm you. It may irritate and annoy you. You may be grossly disappointed but you will never die from these things. Criticism is a fact of life. At least you are getting noticed….