"CRITICISM" by Rich Zimmerman

If I had not become a pastor I think I might have enjoyed becoming a movie critic. Free movie tickets, maybe an expense account that pays for
popcorn, and the chance to publicly slam the movies you don’t like—sounds like a dream job.

Criticism is not always bad. Sometimes criticism is a favor because it brings improvement or redirects misapplied energies. I thank good movie critics who have saved me from many a frustrating movie experience. But most of the time criticism is not helpful. Theodore Roosevelt said,

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)

One way to keep from throwing around unhelpful criticism is to never criticize someone until after you have prayed for that person for two days. By praying sincerely for someone for two days you can’t help but develop a kind of appreciation of that person. Then, if you still feel the criticism would be helpful, go ahead and share it.

I rarely see critical comments improve anyone. More often criticism makes a person defensive and resistant to change. On the other hand, encouragement actually makes a difference. People who have been encouraged don’t usually grow complacent, but instead they open their eyes to how they could do even better. I Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Praising the good is far more effective than pointing out the bad. Find a way to encourage someone today.

In Christ,