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
4 comments:
Do everything without complaining or arguing - umm, does that mean everything??? Got a lot o work to do then. On Sunday, our pastor challenged us all to do sonme serious self evaluation, so this part jumped out at me for sure - 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!
cas
This verse also seems somewhat appropriate - Romans 12:3 By the grace given me I say to everyone of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Admittedly I am too much of a complainer. I also admit the line between critique and critisicm is blurry for me. Anyone have some examples that illustrates the difference between thw two?
I think that complaining in this context means that you are saying something negative about a situation or person either out of frustration or because of a difference of opinion. In the work place I see this all the time. People will say that you are not doing something the right way but not offer a reasonable solution or suggestion. Also, it is all about the delivery. You can certainly tell if someone is "attacking you" or trying to give you heartfelt help. My two cents. and.... I defintely complain way too much.
cas
i think the major difference is the expectation. Complaining is much more "throw your hands up in the air, I have no control over the situation" whereas critique suggests change.
A quick example would be someone who is unhappy with someones performance, you can simply say they're not getting the job done, period (not helpful) or here's what we need to get you in the habit of doing (helpful).
my take...
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