The Critic

The Critic

God’s eternal plan for the church would be Jesus Christ as The Head, the members or saints would make up the body and man’s wisdom could never improve His plan – Ephesians 3:9-11. We are called by the gospel –2nd Thessalonians 2:14 and redeemed by his blood – Ephesians 1:7. But man is weak and subject to commit sin and make mistakes. So as God’s plan is perfect we are not and many times fail to measure up to what He expects. We fall short of accomplishing the goals that are set before us.

Sometimes when others call attention to our failures and encourage us to do better, we don’t object, but appreciate their concern and help from God’s Word. But then you have those who present themselves with the all the answers, best judgment and the best teaching ability and everyone else is out-of-step with many faults. This is the one who is all knowing and all others know so little -- the one who knows what to be done and when to do it. He can see all the mistakes and faults of others but apparently has none of his own. He is able to see through key holes while others can’t see through an open door. He gossips about the faults of others instead of going to that person. He finds the worst in other people, but misses the best. “Do not complain, brethren, against one another, that you yourselves may not be judged; behold the Judge is standing right at the door” – James 5:9. To find fault is to sigh or groan through ill-humor, impatience, etc. These seem to feel it becomes them to complain if everything is not precisely, as in their estimation it should be. This is the offspring of pride as they see others as weak and foolish. The Son of man, the perfect Son of God came to save the lost -- this is us – Matthew 18:11. If we were perfect there would be no need for a Savior. We can help each other with a kind and entreating spirit.

So what has the critic been doing all these years he’s been around, evidently he’s been here long enough and feels qualified to know all the ills and faults of the brethren. Being a fault-finder and critic is not a work of God, but this is what the devil does. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night” –Revelation 12:10. “Our actions are the spring of our happiness or misery,” Philip Skelton. The good news is God’s people should and can be the happiest people on earth.

Les Kovar