Criticism (Part 2)
Posted By Aaron Marcelli on December 2, 2010
In my last post I kind of went on a rant (sorry about that) on pastors who over-receive criticism. In this post I want to discuss the other side of that – giving criticism. Mainly, when is it appropriate to criticize others?
The answer: rarely. I do not think we are called to “speak out” near as much as some people/critics think they are. Some bloggers, preachers, radio hosts, writers, friends, in-laws, etc. are convinced it is their job to approach you with a, “just so you know…”
It is not our Christian duty to always be looking to give our opinions or to “set the record straight.” Many times I want to speak out against someone or something but when I take the time to fully think through it, I do not have peace that it’s my place to do so. Many times by going ahead and “speaking out” I would only be causing more conflict and rarely would my words be well received.
It’s very hard to speak out publicly without crossing lines, going too far, and sinning. It’s hard to criticize without becoming a critic. And few people are open to hearing what the critic has to say. Yet, far too many people accept and even give themselves that title.
In the final post on criticism I will discuss why so many people get caught in the trap of becoming a critic.
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