" CRITICISM "

Good morning to you all, I have a question for you which requires total honesty. Have you ever felt truly convicted? I mean has the Word of God ever struck you right between the eyes? While doing my homework and searching my own heart and most importantly asking my wife of nearly 40 years her thoughts, I'm on shaky ground. She reminds me of what she has seen since our marriage in 1969, temperament wise. Now please don't judge me too harshly as I'm still a work in progress, you see, God's not finish with me yet. With each temperament there comes strength and weakness. I'm told that I show "Melancholy" and "Choleric" temperaments. With that being shared, one weakness that stands out on the melancholy side is the art of being "Critical". I'm not making any excuses for my nature it's something that I must guard against. Pray that I win this battle.

"Do not judge so that you will not be judged. (2) "For the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard or measure, it will be measured to you (Matt. 7:1-2)."

Anytime that we feel the need to challenge the deportment of another, or however we justify it in our mind(s) we're finding fault. Jesus warned us to examine our own motives and comportment instead of judging others. When we find the need to criticize, or to give unsolicited censuring, don't.

The traits that bother us in others are often the habits we dislike in ourselves. What seems to be our resistant bad habits and behavior patterns are the very ones that we most want to change in others. Do you find it effortless to magnify others' faults while excusing your own? When you are ready to criticize someone, check to see if you deserve the same criticism. When the urge to judge someone else comes upon you, try looking in the mirror and judge that individual.

Jesus' statement. " DO NOT JUDGE " is against the kind of hypocritical, judgmental attitude that tears others down in order to build oneself up. We should strive to keep our conduct above criticism. Jesus is our example. When we face hardship and discouragement, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. You know friends, we're not alone. There is help. Many before us have persevered and made it through life, enduring far more difficult circumstances than we have experienced.

The last time a parent or friend rebuked you, were you hurt, angry, or defensive? When you are rebuked for a serious mistake, it is for you to learn from this unfortunate experience. Admit to your error(s), repent quickly, and always ask for prayer.

Always remember to trust in God as man will let you down every time.

Until next time,

Jim