CRITICISM
I believe it was Benjamin Franklin who once remarked, “There are only two things in life that are
certain: death and taxes.” Far be it from me to argue with a scholar such as Benjamin Franklin, but
there is one other unpleasant certainty: criticism. No one escapes criticism entirely, and often our
careers, emotional stability and happiness all depend on how we react to criticism.
Criticism should mean one thing to all of us--the opportunity to grow. If we would grow from criti-
cism, we must face up to it on three levels: 1) Emotionally. That is, we must force ourselves to be
dispassionate. That is hard to do, but it can be done. 2) Rationally. Take up the criticism and examine it
objectively. As someone has said, “We can learn much from the disagreeable things people say, for
they make us think--whereas the good things only make us glad.” 3) Practically. To try to help your
critic. The Bible says we are to “render to no man evil for evil” (Rom. 12:17). This is not some pious
nonsense--kindness is always stronger than malice.
When are criticized, our reaction should be: 1) To do right in spite of what is said. 2) To profit from
the criticism and to grow. 3) To try to live so that the critic’s words will not be justified.
The person who is continually open to criticism should remember the words of Abraham Lincoln:
“If I tried to read, much less answer, all the criticisms made of me and all the attacks against me, this
office would be closed for all other business. I do the best I know how, the very best I can. I will keep
on doing this down to the very end. If the end brings me out all right, then what is said against me now
will not matter to anything.” Abraham Lincoln was a wise man in more ways than most are!
Did you ever hear the story of the two taxidermists who stopped before a shop window in which an
owl was on display? They began to criticize its mounting. Its eyes were not natural--its wings were not
in proportion--its head and features were not neatly arranged--and its feet could be improved upon. On
and on they went. When they finally finished their criticism, the owl turned its head and winked at
them! They had been criticizing a “stuffed” owl that actually was alive! Think about that. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Any man whose actions leave his wife speechless has really done
something!
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
certain: death and taxes.” Far be it from me to argue with a scholar such as Benjamin Franklin, but
there is one other unpleasant certainty: criticism. No one escapes criticism entirely, and often our
careers, emotional stability and happiness all depend on how we react to criticism.
Criticism should mean one thing to all of us--the opportunity to grow. If we would grow from criti-
cism, we must face up to it on three levels: 1) Emotionally. That is, we must force ourselves to be
dispassionate. That is hard to do, but it can be done. 2) Rationally. Take up the criticism and examine it
objectively. As someone has said, “We can learn much from the disagreeable things people say, for
they make us think--whereas the good things only make us glad.” 3) Practically. To try to help your
critic. The Bible says we are to “render to no man evil for evil” (Rom. 12:17). This is not some pious
nonsense--kindness is always stronger than malice.
When are criticized, our reaction should be: 1) To do right in spite of what is said. 2) To profit from
the criticism and to grow. 3) To try to live so that the critic’s words will not be justified.
The person who is continually open to criticism should remember the words of Abraham Lincoln:
“If I tried to read, much less answer, all the criticisms made of me and all the attacks against me, this
office would be closed for all other business. I do the best I know how, the very best I can. I will keep
on doing this down to the very end. If the end brings me out all right, then what is said against me now
will not matter to anything.” Abraham Lincoln was a wise man in more ways than most are!
Did you ever hear the story of the two taxidermists who stopped before a shop window in which an
owl was on display? They began to criticize its mounting. Its eyes were not natural--its wings were not
in proportion--its head and features were not neatly arranged--and its feet could be improved upon. On
and on they went. When they finally finished their criticism, the owl turned its head and winked at
them! They had been criticizing a “stuffed” owl that actually was alive! Think about that. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Any man whose actions leave his wife speechless has really done
something!
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
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