One of my favorite quotes of all time comes from the late former President Theodore Roosevelt. It is from perhaps his most famous speech, Citizenship in a Republic.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face in marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly…”
Everyone imagines themselves as the man in the arena. But, if I am honest I often find that I am the critic. It is a great quote, but what if the critic is right? What if all the labor the ‘man in the arena’ is doing is vain? Does the critic have the right to express that opinion?
Certainly we have a right, or should I say an obligation to express truth. The trouble we find ourselves getting into is how that truth is expressed. Does it profit and build up or does it provoke and tear down? So the question that really needs to be asked is: “How should I express truth?” For the sake of clarification, let me give a couple of definitions, out of many, for criticism:
Critic – 1) one who expresses a reasoned opinion on any matter especially involving a judgment of its value, truth, righteousness, beauty, or technique
Criticize - to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly
Notice the balance in criticism. It measures the merits and demerits of and then judges accordingly. As a Christian, our standard of measure is the Bible, rather than our opinion. This is the first lesson in expressing truth. Express truth from its source. Now, what is the aim of criticism? Paul gives at least three goals of criticism (Ephesians 4:29).
First, criticism should be expressed in a way that demonstrates the good fruit of a believer. No rotten words should come from us. Instead what we say should come from a heart that is purified by Christ. Second, the criticism should build up rather than tear down. Third, it should give grace or joy to those who hear it. This last one may be delayed. Joy may not come for a while. Just as discipline does not seem to be good when we are going through it, we are grateful for it in the end.
Do you find yourself critical? Seek wisdom from God and apply it to your responses. James gives is the character of the wisdom of God along with the result of the one who applies it.
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (3:17-18).
If we apply these characteristics to our criticisms, I am certain both we and those we seek to build up will find much more joy in our living.
