I had a conversation with a man the other day that is not unlike many others whom I have heard from over the last 25 years of writing Words for the Day five days a week. He was critical and made a point of telling me he doesn’t agree with everything I write. Hmmm . . . I don’t know of anyone on this earth whom I agree with 100% of the time. Thus, I am not offended. This same guy makes this same point virtually every time I talk to him. Unfortunately, he does not ever seem to have any specifics that I might use to improve, or perhaps enlighten him as to the Scripture upon which I used to motivate me to write what I wrote.
Now few people whom I’ve met enjoy being criticized; however, that does not necessarily mean that all criticism is bad. There are two types of criticism, destructive and constructive. If the criticism is designed primarily to “tear down”, then it is destructive and is definitely a bad thing. If it is aimed at helping to build up or improve, then it is constructive and is a good thing.
I suppose the determining factor to me is trying to determine the motivation of the person or persons who are leveling the criticism. Why are they criticizing? Is it based upon sound logic? Are they qualified to offer worthwhile advice? Is it because they genuinely see a problem and want to call it to my attention so I can make an improvement?
Anyone who has ever been the President, CEO, or leader of an organization has had to listen to criticism. I have been in such positions much of my life and have endured/enjoyed criticism of every type and continue to do so even now that I’m retired. No one seems immune. If you are a pastor of a church, coach of a team, manager of a company, organizer of a golf tournament, politician, President of the Lions club, leader of your family, et al, It seems that, if you stick your head above the clover, someone will be trying to blow it off. I detest “unfair” criticism as much as the next person, but I always “try” to be open to constructive criticism. It is a great way to learn.
Why? Because I KNOW that I am not perfect and often make mistakes. I must be candid it is very difficult to take criticism when it is aimed at my family or my work, but if it is justified, I want to hear it, because more than anything I want to improve everything with which I’m associated. I cannot reach perfection in this lifetime; however, I think that we should try our best to do our very best at absolutely everything that we do. Emulate Jesus as best we know how! He was perfect and we are not, but anyone can improve.
Bottom line: sometimes we are blind to our inadequacies, personal or professional. If someone kindly points something out to us and perhaps offers a suggestion to help us improve the situation, we should welcome it and not resent it. If they think enough of us to point it out to us and offer a suggestion for improvement, we should be deeply appreciative assuming their heart is in the right place. When I offer constructive criticism, I know full well that it can BLOW up in my face, especially if the maturity to handle it is not there from the person on the receiving end. Often, I end up wishing that I did not offer it and swear it off, particularly when it is unsolicited. But just as often it is very much appreciated, and the result is worth the risk…
The next time you are criticized, stop, and think about this person. They just may be one of the best friends you’ve got. (And then again, they may just be unhappy with the world in which case you should shake the dust from your feet). Keep an open mind.
Proverbs 12:1
He who loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.