For The Sake of Criticism... or The Critic

Perhaps part 3, in the unplanned series of prayers that started Friday morning, as we've once again, faced horrific tragedy and the barrage of commentary that naturally ensues. The question came to me, after not really given much thought for today's post... that after all the commentary and conversations, differing perspectives, opinions and experiences, I was left with this on the forefront of my mind:

At one point does criticism cease to move us toward solutions and becomes criticism for criticism's sake?

Hows does one handle the critic who uses criticism for the sake of themselves? For they seemingly come across as being more interested in continuing the problem (or at least putting it in the spotlight) rather than acknowledging that the time has come to move from criticizer to solver.

There's an element of wisdom in knowing the time for solutions.
There's an element of leadership in focusing on solutions.
There's an element of prayer in understanding imperfect people do not create perfection.

In the church world...
In the business world...
In our culture and society...
In our congregation and community...

What's the point of exposing a flaw that nobody bothers to fix?
What's the point of noticing an error that nobody will correct?
What's the point of stating a problem that nobody wants to solve?

We all have value and worth, but eventually contempt arises for the critic who does nothing but life up to the their title. As though, it's in their spirit, as a default modus operandi. Such make the possibility of effective and efficient difficult. The drive for correction may be good for a season, but taken to extreme (like anything else), you lose the balance... of doing it right; doing it well; being effective, being efficient, and having the greatest impact. All of which are usually the desired goals anyway, for whatever a reasonable person or group is trying to accomplish

Pray this #effectiveSunday, that the church would not be found having or harboring a critical spirit. May they find a balance, as they look at problems, whether within the church or outside it; that there would be a focus on solutions. Pray the church would not ruin their witness and impact by continuing criticism just for the sake of it, or for their own. Pray wisdom for people in leadership roles; as people look to them for direction, insight and answers; that their own criticism would not stand in the way of a clear analysis of the present and a correspondingly clear vision of the future. Pray, that in these times of serious problems, that we would have serious people, interested in solving them rather than telling whose to blame for them.

That we may all become more like Christ.
And point others to Him.
For the glory of God;
Whose help we desperately need.

- PNC

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