Criticism Not Our Work {a devotional}
Judge
not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall
be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you
again. Matthew 7:1, 2.
Our
bodies are built up from what we eat and drink; and the character of
our spiritual experience depends on what our minds feed upon and
assimilate. By continually dwelling upon the mistakes and defects of
others, many become religious dyspeptics.... Those who are so busy in
dissecting the words and acts of others, to discover all that is
objectionable, fail to discern the good and pleasant things. They do not
eat of the proper food to promote spiritual vitality and healthy
growth.
The
Lord is not pleased with His people when they neglect to criticize
their own soul, criticizing others instead. This is Satan’s work. When
you do this work, remember that the enemy is using you as a means of
tempting others, in order that those who should be united in harmony and
joy, building up one another in the most holy faith, shall be warring
and complaining because some one else is sinning. Christ has not made
you a sin bearer. You cannot even bear your own sin. Therefore be very
careful not to take up any reproach against your neighbor. God wants His
people to be free.... Shall we not remember that by the words we speak
we may either wound or heal? Shall we not remember that as we judge, so
we shall be judged, we who perhaps have had many more opportunities than
those whom we judge?
Our
hearts must be melted into tenderness and love for one another. We may
criticize ourselves just as severely as we please. The one who
criticizes another gives evidence that he is the very one who needs to
criticize himself. Pray God to show you what you must remove from
yourselves in order that you may see the kingdom of God....
What a great reminder!
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