good preach this morning

I was blessed to be at one of those sermons that God seemed to have just for me today.

It actually started before I left home. I was reading in Ken Sande's The Peacemaker, and it talked about Philippians 4:8:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

He made the interesting point that, while this verse is applied in a general, over-arching sense, it's also applicable in specific situations ... such as when we're struggling in a relationship. We need to choose to think in this way about those with whom we're in conflict. This doesn't mean blinding ourselves to the person's shortcomings, but rather to seek to focus on their positive qualities.

With that thought in mind, I walked into a really good sermon on Luke 6:37-42 this morning.

37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

39And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

40The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

41And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

42Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

These verses ... I tend to avoid. Mostly I do so because you SO often hear people use them as an excuse to sin. "Don't judge me! God says not to judge! What business is it of YOURS if I (fill in the blank).

However, just because a principle is mis-used, doesn't make it any less true!

The Scripture DOES talk about dealing with sin, but so often when it does, it includes with that command a warning to self examination at the same time.

Galatians 6:1 (among others)

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

I appreciated the emphasis this morning on criticism -- the need not to do it myself, and also how to handle it when others do it. Following are a few random thoughts I jotted down.

One of the most precious gifts you can give anyone is the benefit of the doubt. Whereas criticism is one of Satan's most effective weapons.

If criticizing someone gives you pain, then do it. If it gives you even the smallest pleasure, then shun it. (William Penn - I think) (Referring to REAL pain ... not "I'm too humble to enjoy telling how how much better I am than you" pain.) :)


Thoughts on handling criticism:

Expect it ... the only time there's no friction is when nothing is moving.

Turn it over to God. Refuse to be bitter, and refuse to return fire.

Put yourself in the critic's shoes. What's going on in his life?

Search for the kernel of truth. No matter how unjust, God has something to teach me.

The trouble with most of us is we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.

Focus on the task, not the criticism ... and get your job done!