This devotional was written by Leslie Snyder
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—Philippians 2:14-16a
“It’s in our nature to critique, isn’t it?” came the gentle and honest reproach from a good friend during a discussion of a recent wedding reception. The statement stopped me mid-sentence. The conversation seemed benign enough as we discussed how the serving line could have moved a little more smoothly if it were placed in a different location. Merely an observation, I thought; however, the gentle reprimand caught my attention.
In the quest for excellence, we have learned to identify the area of greatest weakness and improve it. This is true in the workplace, academics, the sporting arena, the fine arts, and even in the church. Excellence is our goal and many of us strive diligently to reach it. Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with striving for excellence, but in this quest, we often confuse critique with criticism. Webster makes this differentiation: To critique someone or something is to offer a critical analysis or overview. It looks at the whole picture, encompassing strengths, weaknesses, purpose and other effectiveness. Other words that can be used in its place are evaluation, assessment, review or appraisal. Criticism, on the other hand, is the act of making a judgment, or to find fault. Disapproval, condemnation, disparagement or censure are other words to further define criticism.
Paul, when writing to the church at Philippi, urges his readers to do everything without complaining or arguing. Was he seeking to keep the peace so that everyone will get along? No! His purpose is much higher. Check out his reasoning, “so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.”
It’s a bit touchy. Stop complaining so that we can become blameless and pure. Wow! That’s a great concept! We can choose to be critical – complaining and looking just like the crooked and depraved generation in which we live – or we can choose to stop arguing or complaining and shine like the stars in the universe and hold out the word of life. The choice seems simple, but it’s certainly not easy. It takes a lot of self-discipline and self-evaluation to keep critiquing from becoming complaining, but it can be done! Today, make it your goal to stay away from complaining!
GOING DEEPER: As you consider your words, which are you more apt to do: Offer helpful critique or negative criticism?
FURTHER READING: Proverbs 27:6
7 comments:
Very interesting. I wonder how well any of us would do if a little birdy was on the wall and in our brains as well. I know for me this is something I need to work on in my character. I have to say that I an hardly imagine a life with out arguing and complaining. If harder might be the crticism I make of other people masked as critiques. And..... WOW, what an example it would be for those around us if we could model the behavior Paul describes in our dialy walks.
Father, give us the strength, wisdom and courage to live this out.
Blessings,
cas
Very timely for me for me. (Too bad I didn't read it 90 minutes ago.) With personnel changes at work (my boss recently resigned), and the daily challenges of keeping employees, customers, and partners satisfied I am finding it very challenging to not complain.
It is helpful to hear the subtle yet distinct difference between critique & complain.
My prayer is God will remind us to bring about positive change through effective critique, while not complaining. In this way, we will remain His blameless & pure children.
Good reading. I've got to keep this in the front of my mind when interacting with my kids, remembering that at the core of a critique is teaching, encouragement, and building up. But at the core of criticism is condemnation. It would seem obvious what to choose, yet so often I seem to speak without forethought and choose criticism.
Lord, help us to build up by encouraging, not tear down by compaining. Amen.
tba
This is a timely reading for me as well. Just last night I was trying to think of a verse to help me not to argue with my fiance. Sometimes I find it hard to hold my tongue when I feel like I am right. And reading this passage, the disscussion was probably a fine balance between critique versus complaining.
Lord, give us the wisdom to know when we are tearing down by complaining and help us build up relationships in all aspects of our lives.
Amen
- LT
A few proverbs for thought:
Proverbs 10:19-When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
Proverbs 12:18-Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 16:21-The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.
Proverbs 16:24-Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
and one final thought:
Hebrews 4:12-For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
I initially thought of my critical friends when I read this. How like me to not see these faults of my own!! Lord, let every word that falls from my lips be captured by your love.
g
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12)
Great comments by everyone!!
It's so convenient and natureal to be critical isn't it. It takes thought and patience and unselfishness to offer constructive instruction...
In my marriage and with my kids often times I think I'm offering a critique but its perceived as criticism due to my past history of shortshided outbursts of criticism. I have some work to do on that front...
Great devotion for sure
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