If anyone has worked with farm animals, they'll tell you they sometimes kick, not to hurt the handler, but to resist what they are supposed to do. Criticism is like that. What do we mean by that? That's our lesson for today.
1) THE NATURE OF CRITICISM
A. Why do people criticize?
1. Because of change - Acts 11: 1-3 Instead of rejoicing, there was criticism. Why?
2. Judges 6: 30-31 - instead of rejoicing the people complained. We're not talking here about
changing the Word of God!
3. They want a share of the glory - Judges 8:1 - Gideon had just defeated the Midianite army with
only 300 men. Instead of rejoicing that God had given Israel victory, the Ephraimites complained
that they didn't get a share of the battle. Did you notice that people rarely complain that they
couldn't share in the defeat?
4. There's discomfort during the process - Ex. 17: 1-3 During the process of leaving slavery and
moving to their new land, the Israelites traveled some rough territory.
5. Some criticize when they don't have control - Isa 45: 9-10 God is in control.
Sometimes we blame others for our own faults.
6. Some criticize when they are not involved - Neh 4: 1-3 Some stand by and criticize but don't
help with the work. Even when the church grew there was criticism, but it still grew Acts 4:25
2) DEFLATING UNJUST CRITICISM
A. 2 Cor. 8: 16-21 Notice how Paul handled it "up-front" involving the collection for the saints
B. Leave things in God's hands - Ps 35: 1-2, Isa 50: 8-9
C. DON"T STOP IF IT'S RIGHT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD! KEEP ON GOING!
3) GOOD ADVICE FOR THE CRITICAL
A. If something is done that doesn't harm you, don't criticize!
B. Pro 3:30
C. Do you understand all that's going on? Don't be too quick to criticize! Pro 25:8
D. Be careful about making it a public matter Pro 25: 9-10
4) IF YOU ARE GOING TO COMPLAIN, FIRST EARN THE RIGHT