In 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, when we have a critical attitude the most important act is to replace it with the attitude of love. The Apostle wrote: "If I speak in tongues of men and angels but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. Paul also wrote: speak the truth in love and love covers a multitude of wrongs.
In Romans 13:1-3, all authorities have been established by God (home, church or government). Consequently, he who rebels against any authority is rebelling against what God has instituted. Verse 10, "Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
Applications:
When tempted to criticize - hold your peace and check:-
1. Is it true or is it a perceived fault, a rumor, or hearsay or gossip?
2. Have I prayed for the person accused and for myself?
3. Am I willing to take the matter personally to the brother or sister?
4. Am I guilty of spreading the matter by telling others?
5. Am I challenging the authority of God?
6. What is the Biblical way to exercise my Christian responsibility?
Note: Today's message is not to silence all criticisms. We most welcome constructive criticisms done in the attitude of love. Destructive criticism is a sin and it has been the cause of pain and break ups in many churches. We need to know the difference.
ATTITUDE IS A CHOICE!
Lord, Help Me Change My Attitude
"Replacing A Critical Attitude"
Text: Numbers 12:1-16
Not long after the food incidents, Miriam and Aaron sister and brother of Moses began criticizing Moses the leader of the Israelites. Poor Moses he already had so much trouble with the people now his own sister and brother were attacking him. What did they do? The NIV says they 'talked against' which is rather mild; The Message Bible says they 'talked behind his back' which is more serious. But the NLT version says 'they criticized' Moses which is more accurate.
What is the difference between complaining and criticizing? You may remember the definition of complaining; "Expressing dissatisfaction with a situation or circumstance that is not wrong and about which you are doing nothing to correct it." Complaining is directed towards situation or circumstance. Criticism is directed towards people or the works or performance of people.
Definitions:
The word criticize is a verb which comes form the noun critic. A critic is a person who judges or evaluates the standard or performance of people or things produced by people. To criticize is to assess, analyze or to judge as a critic. The word is usually used in the negative sense to judge disapprovingly, to find fault with, or even to censure or denounce.
Two types of 'Criticism'
1. Constructive criticism
2. Destructive criticism
"Destructive criticism is dwelling upon the perceived faults of another with no view to their good."
Constructive criticism is not a sin because it is a fair analysis or evaluation in order to help another grow or develop.
Destructive criticism is sinful:
1. By definition
(a) dwelling upon repeatedly, unrelently, spreading
(b) perceived faults may be wrong perception
(c) no good intention nor help
2. By Aaron's confession - Numbers 12:11
3. By God's judgement on Miriam. What was her motive?
4. Ruins relationship with God. Presence withdrawn
5. Self exaltation, own inadequacy, speck in the eye
6. Hurt others, character assassination
7. Attack on the Lord's servant
8. Lack of love
Lord, Help Me Change My Critical Attitude!
A. Self examination. Am I a critical person? Some people are. Do I easily notice the weakness or faults of others? Do people annoy me easily? In conversations, when others criticize do I join in?
B. Repent. Remember Jesus' words, "why do you see the speck in your brother's eye when there is a beam in your eye?
C. Repent of one or more of the sins of criticism. Do you criticize because you are jealous, envious and resentful. Confess and seek forgiveness.
D. Replace the wrong attitude with the right attitude.
The Attitude Of Love