Refuge for a Single Mom

Criticism

Definition :

Obviously, there are several forms of and motivations for criticism.  None are very endearing, or easy to hear, but some are useful.  In fact, Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.  Proverbs 13:18  According to God`s Word, he that `regardeth` constructive criticism (as it is `useful` and `intended to help or improve something`) will be honoured.  Those offering constructive criticism will often accompany their remarks with `an offer of possible solutions`!

Quite differently, criticism, just for the sake of `passing judgment` or `faultfinding` is useless and sometimes very painful.  Sometimes, the effects are devastating and can ruin relationships in families or with friends.  Often times, these types of comments are made out of anger or jealousy.  But the Lord promises us:  "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me," declares the LORD.”  Isaiah 54:17

The Lord has made us all a certain way.  He made us to do certain things.  He made us to do certain things IN a certain way.  We all have particular mannerisms and personalities that make us who we are.  ~His daughters!

For example, I am very laid back in general.  There are very few things that I will do on a `whim`!  It also takes quite a bit to infuriate me.  (In fact, because I know my Lord doesn`t want me to be angry and grouchy and bitter, I am working even harder to be a more calm and objective person.)  Often, I try to separate my self from things and take in the big picture.  It`s a hard thing to do, but not improving my disposition is not healthy either.

It`s even harder to be criticized for it!  (Especially by family or friends!)

As I`ve mentioned before, our neighbors are interesting people and they like to `have fun` and some nights it gets loud and a bit scary.  (Saturday night was one of these kinds of nights! *wink*)  This past summer, when it got really bad (including fights and gunfire) we were all pretty terrified to live here.  We all lost a lot of sleep and it became stressful and miserable INSIDE our house.

Finally, I took a stand, not the one my son would have liked perhaps, but I stood with God!  I prayed for the protection of His guardian angels.  It took a bit of time to overcome the fear and the intimidation, but there is really only so much we can do in any situation ~ in the natural.  We`ve been looking for a home.  We made reports to the authorities.  We have to give it all up to God and trust Him for a solution ~ whatever it might be!

Criticism is no different.  (Not quite as scary! *wink*)  It is just more useless `junk` that if allowed to enter into your thoughts, it will pollute them.  Just like a poison, it isn`t healthy for your spirit, your mind, your body, your demeanor or your relationships to harbor things said critically!  ~ No matter the source.

Bind up the `junk` and give it away to God.  Trust Him to deal with it!

Labels: Criticism, Encouragement, Positive Thinking