4 Lessons Related to Title Criticism
4 Lessons Related to Criticism of the Sermon on the Mount (25)
(Matthew 7:1-6)
1. Beware of Criticism
Jesus said, “Judge not, lest you be judged” (verse 1). This is not to say that you shouldn't criticize at all. Healthy criticism is necessary for a healthy society. Criticism itself does not destroy souls and communities. Courageous criticism based on good judgment is necessary. But it shouldn't be easy to criticize. Ultimately, to not criticize means not to abuse criticism. The abuse of criticism breeds wounds and problems. Criticism and criticism are different. Justified criticism solves the problem, but abused criticism makes the problem worse.
People who are good at criticizing think they are right. But oftentimes, what he thinks of right makes matters more entangled and makes the community more difficult. It is because they only think about the issues of right and wrong. What is important is the wisdom to accept fair criticism well. A good critic feels sorry when he sees other people's faults, but a critic addicts enjoys finding other people's faults and likes to collect messy information and expose his shortcomings. Criticism should not be abused as such frequent criticism can lead to criticism addiction.
2. Don't judge
The word ‘criticism’ in verse 1 of the text contains the meaning of ‘judgment’ in the original language. After all, “Do not judge!” is “Do not judge!”. Why not judge? Because man cannot be the final judge. The sovereignty of judgment rests with God. If we forget that sovereignty and speak as if judging others, we ourselves will be judged by God. Therefore, if you criticize, you will be criticized, and if you measure, you will be measured (verse 2). Criticism is meant to correct mistakes, not to judge and condemn people. Only God can condemn.
When criticism becomes a habit, the tone and attitude of judging and condemning others emerge. If you criticize like that, you fall into the arrogant illusion that you are a righteous person, and you will be condemned. It is better not to know if you are criticized as if you were a judge because of knowing so much. There is no more dangerous attitude to be judged by God than to act as if you have become a judge. Therefore, even if you have a lot of knowledge and experience, the attitude of condemning yourself as if you were a judge should be moderate as much as possible.
3. Take a look at yourself
Criticism addicts often look at the speck in another's eye and fail to see the big beam in their own eye (v. 3). Therefore, before looking around and criticizing others, you should do well in self-reflection and repentance. Some people care too much about other people's affairs. Don't be too busy looking for things to talk about. A busy person likes to spread the latest rumors eagerly. “Master! Did you hear the news? It may upset you a little bit, but people say this.” You should not spread such words and pay more attention to your work.
God did not call the saints as spiritual policemen. Don't patrol here and there to find out in detail about other people's affairs, or collect and spread various things to make things work. If you continue to gossip about someone, speak wisely. “Master! Let's stop talking and pray for him.” The human ear is not a trash can for all kinds of garbage information about others. Therefore, don't spread rumors while looking at others, but in such a time, look back on yourself and put more effort into your work.
4. Don't eat out
A person who does not see the great faults of himself and only sees the faults of others in the small way is, in the end, a hypocrite (verse 5). An extroverted critic addicts tramples on the good qualities of a person and even rips apart his character, character, and existence. This is because he knows that he will rise only when he lowers his opponent. In order not to become such a ruthless critic or condemner, you must constantly train and practice a character that can praise others.
In John 8, the Pharisees and the scribes brought a woman to Jesus and said, "Teacher! This woman was caught in adultery. According to the law of Moses, she was to be stoned. What would you say?” Then Jesus bowed and wrote something on the ground, ignoring what they were saying. Some commentators commented on that part like this: “Jesus acted as if nothing had been said.” God does not listen to the ‘criticism of the critics’, and furthermore, he does not listen to the ‘prayer of the critics’. After all, criticism is the biggest obstacle that prevents answers to prayer.