December 18, 2020 – Click here to listen
I saw a quote by Jack Handey that read: “Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.”
Although I feel sure it was not his intention but there is a profound message concerning our present society that is conveyed by his humorous quote. Criticism is inevitable today and not only is it the norm it is rarely done in person and often accompanied by other dirty tricks.
The media of today is masterful in criticizing anything and everything from afar. Most don’t bother to check facts and when they are caught in a lie, only offer a weak apology that is never issued until the damage has metastasized. Congregants in church engage in it as they drive home railing about something the pastor said or the poor music or whatever. I’ve observed parents screaming at their 8 year old kids criticizing them for making a mistake in a soccer game.
It seems no one likes to be on the receiving end of criticism but most everyone dishes it out with ease. I’m as guilty as anyone, why, I don’t have a clue, because it had a devastating effect on me in my youth. I was criticized by my father for practically everything I did when I was growing up. Being called a black sheep, stupid, and just plain bad contributed to low self-esteem and bitterness towards him and in fact the entire world which was a big factor in my dropping out of society.
I heard an old saying that should give all followers of Christ who engage in criticism pause: “I walk around like everything’s fine, but deep down inside my shoe, my sock is sliding off.” It is in our DNA that we are going to sin, it is human nature. When we do though, we should beuncomfortable and have regrets. This is the Holy Spirit convicting us of that sin.
Alexander Pope said, “To err is human; to forgive is divine.” When we err, God forgives us those trespasses and He expects us to forgive those who trespass against us. The evil world in which we live derisively laughs at this command as absurd. Instead it is an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, and a foot for a foot. This is often misquoted from the Bible from secular citizens trying to justify their sin. Invariably they leave out the part where Jesus condemns such thinking. Matthew 5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
To be candid I have struggled with this and any progress made is attributed to the Holy Spirit living within me. When He did not reside there, I was more inclined to break bones and hurt those who wanted to slap my cheek . . . It is still difficult to let those who treat me shabbily “get away with it.” Nowadays I realize that they are getting away with nothing. The Lord will avenge me, and it is far less painful than breaking my old arthritic hands on someone’s bone head.
Romans 12:17
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Have a great weekend and go to church this special Sunday as we move closer to the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.