A Modern Fable on Criticism – Part 2

The ‘Dare Iced Coffee’ marketing team make some very funny TV commercials to sell this popular caffeinated drink.

One old advertisement from 1998 was downright cheeky, starring a baby faced Joel Edgerton.

In the change room of a large department store, a young woman slips into a brand new dress. She struts, she poses, she swings her hips. She parades like a supermodel in front of the change room mirror.

After examining herself from every conceivable angle, she turns to her boyfriend and asks the dreaded question, “Does my backside look big in this?”

He swallows a few gulps from his bottle of Dare Iced Coffee before responding with, “Ummh . . . yeah, but at least it takes the focus off your face.”

Criticism can be hard to swallow. Especially if it comes from someone who knows us best or from someone we deeply admire or respect.

According to the Oxford dictionary, criticism is the expression of disapproval of someone or something on the basis of perceived faults or mistakes.

We should always consider the source of the critique, because some people are not qualified to give an honest appraisal, they may have an ulterior motive or they may simply be conditioned to give negative criticism.

Sometimes when a woman puts you down it is often to pump herself up from a poor self-image. It’s one of the easiest things to do; denigrate others to elevate yourself.

There’s a saying that, ‘Hurt people hurt people’.

When someone is hurting inside, they tend to hurt those around them by lashing out verbally or physically. Their outbursts are often disproportionate to the size of the offense.

Also, consider the child who’s been criticized harshly their entire life. “You’re a moron. You’ll never amount to anything.” Growing up in this caustic environment, what else would you expect, but for this child to pass harsh negative criticism on to others. It is all this child knows. This pattern to repeated from one generation to the next.

Negative criticism disregards the possibility of improvement.

Constructive criticism, on the other hand acknowledges flaws, but offers suggestions for improvement, development and positive growth.

God’s words serve as catalysts for change. God offers us constructive criticism in the Bible. We should always be open to his direction on areas where we need to improve.

Proverbs 15:31-33 tells us  

The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

He that refuseth instruction(correction) despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Read Exodus 18:13-27

Despite the sinking feeling that comes over many when the In-laws roll into town for a visit, the dynamic between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro, is fascinating. Jethro is a Midianite.

There was genuine respect between these two men.

Moses recounts the escape from Pharaoh and the Egyptians, the hardships experienced in the wilderness and how the LORD delivered him and the Israelites.

Jethro blesses God. It appears his heart is now aligned with the God of Israel for he says, “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.”

There is rejoicing. Jethro, Moses, Aaron and the elders of Israel enjoy a feast. Jethro offers a burnt offering in sacrifice to God.

Constructive criticism can change the course and quality of a person’s life, as it did in Moses’ situation.

Jethro observes Moses judging disputes between people from sunset to sundown. The long queue of people waiting for their cases to be heard never seems to shrink.

Genuine concern for Moses’ welfare causes Jethro to speak out to his son-in-law. He warns Moses that if he continues to judge every single dispute, he would inevitably burn out. It was unwise for Moses to carry the burden of settling cases all by himself.

Jethro suggests that Moses appoint trusted men that would be responsible for handling routine cases. Moses then would only preside over weightier matters and the more complicated disputes.

Does Moses silence the old man?

No.

Moses receives his father-in-law’s constructive criticism and takes his advice.

So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father-in-law, and did all that he had said. Exodus 18:24

It was good advice.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “He has a right to criticize who has a heart to help.” It was in this spirit that Jethro offered his criticism.

If you don’t want criticism in your life, don’t attempt anything at all. In the words of the great philosopher, Aristotle, “There is only one way to avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.”

If you are on the receiving end of criticism, remember the following:

1. You can’t please everyone
2. Is it negative or constructive criticism?
3. Consider the source
4. Consider the motive
5. Exercise godly wisdom

Finally, before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes, that way, when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.   Jack Handey

Bibliography

Daskal, L. 2016, ’99 Great Quotes that will help you handle Criticism’, Inc.com. Retrieved 25 October 2020 from http://www.inc.com

Tucker, R.  2013, The Biographical Bible, Baker Books, Michigan.

The Oxford Dictionary