THINK VICTORY! Beware of Criticizing Others

BEWARE OF CRITICIZING OTHERS

"Judge not, that you be not judged." Matthew 7:11

It's a principle that I learned a long time ago - "Whenever you point your accusatory finger at someone else, there are at least three pointing back at you!" It has proven itself true over and over again in my own life. When I judge someone else, it most always shows that I am struggling with the same issues in my own life.

Chambers devotional from June 17th hits the nail right on the head and is worth your consideration today:

"Jesus' instructions with regard to judging others is very simply put; He says, "DON'T." The average Christian is the most piercingly critical individual known. Criticism is one of the ordinary activities of people, but in the spiritual realm nothing is accomplished by it. The EFFECT of criticism is the dividing up of the strengths of the one being criticized. The Holy Spirit is the only one in the proper position to criticize, and He alone is able to show what is wrong without hurting and wounding.

It is impossible to enter into fellowship with God when you are in a critical mood. Criticism serves to make your harsh, vindictive, and cruel, and leaves you with the soothing and flattering idea that you are somehow superior to others. Jesus says that HIS disciples should cultivate a temperament that is never critical. This will not happen quickly but must be developed over a span of time. You must constantly be aware of anything that causes you to think of yourself as a superior person.

There is no escaping the penetrating search of my life by Jesus. If I see the little speck in your eye, it means that I have a plank of timber in my own (see Matthew 7:3-5). Every wrong that I see in YOU, God finds in me. Every time I judge, I condemn myself (see Romans 2:17-24).

Stop having a measuring stick for other people. There is always at least one more fact, which we see nothing about, in every person's situation. The first thing God does is to give us a thorough spiritual cleaning. After that, there is no possibility of pride remaining in us. I have never met a person I could despair of, or lose all hope for, after discerning what lies in me apart from the grace of God." From MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST

Ouch! But a great reminder about judging and condemning others. Think about it!

Great quote: "As a saved soul, the real business of your life is intercessory prayer. Whatever circumstances God may place you in, always pray immediately that His atonement may be recognized and as fully understood in the lives of others as it has been in yours. Pray for your friends NOW, and pray for those with whom you come in contact with NOW."
- Oswald Chambers