Constructive Criticism or Destructive Jealousy?
http://www.reactlove.com/2010/11/constructive-criticism-destructive-jealousy/
People often argue over minor disagreements, leaving the real issue untouched. Such was the case when Miriam and Aaron came to Moses with a complaint.
Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. “Has the LORD spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the LORD heard this. -Numbers 12:1-2
They represented the priests and the prophets, the two most powerful groups next to Moses. The real issue was their growing jealousy of Moses’ position and influence. Since they could not find fault with the way Moses was leading the people, they chose to criticize his wife. Click here to read God’s response to Aaron and Miriam.
Rather than face the problem squarely by dealing with their envy and pride, they chose to create a diversion from the real issue.
When you are in a disagreement, stop and ask yourself if you are arguing over the real issue or if you have introduced a smoke screen by attacking someone’s character.
If you are unjustly criticized, remember that your critics may be afraid to face the real problem. Don’t take this type of criticism personally. Ask God to help you identify the real issue and deal with it.
So, before criticizing someone else, we need to pause long enough to discover our own motives. Failing to do this can bring disastrous results. What is often labeled “constructive criticism” may actually be destructive jealousy, since the easiest way to raise our own status is to bring someone else down.
Are you willing to question your motives before you offer criticism? Does the critical finger you point need to be pointed first toward yourself?
Created over 1 year ago
