“…every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one, judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors…”
Romans 2:1-2 (MSG)
Criticism which is an expression of disapproval of someone or something on the basis of perceived faults or mistakes is a major trend in the world today. It has eaten very deep into the fabric of our society and interestingly it has entered into the church as well. Today you find Christians who are very quick to criticize others and speak against men of God. Some even think it is their responsibility to talk about others and point out their faults and mistakes, forgetting that they have their own faults and flaws. I remember counseling someone some time ago, about the way he spoke against others, and he responded by saying: “if I don’t speak about it, who else will?”. He said, “at least someone should point out the wrong things that are being done”. He was blunt about his opinion and wasn’t ready to change. In all that I tried to say he completely refused to listen. And I realized that there are lots of people like this out there, who somehow feel it is their God-given responsibility to speak against God’s people, prophets and the church.
But guess what, there is nobody whom God has given such responsibility. As a matter of fact, God’s Word says to us “…owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves has fulfilled the law…” Romans 13:8 (NKJV). Did you see that? This lets us know that what we owe our neighbors is love and nothing else. We are in no position to speak against or criticize our neighbors and men of God. Remember, a man who criticizes is not without fault, so before you criticize others do remember that there are issues in your life also that need to be dealt with. Our Lord Jesus Christ said “…Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, let me remove the speck from your eye; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Then He said, Hypocrite! First, remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye…” Matthew 7: 1-5 (NKJV)
So take heed that you do not stumble in the word. Take your focus off other people’s business and start minding your own affairs. It will improve your life and relationship with other people. If you see something wrong and perhaps you think there is a need for a change, then talk to God about it persistently. That’s the right thing to effect true change. Praise God!
TODAY’S RHEMA
We are in no position to speak against or criticize anybody!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for Your Word that has come to renew my mind and my thinking, I declare that henceforth all manner of criticism stays far from me in the Name of Jesus. Amen!
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