Nobody likes criticism. I don’t. You probably don’t either. Yet we do get criticized sometimes—and it’s never enjoyable. Criticism is: disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes. The person who says, “Oh, it doesn’t bother me to be criticized,” is either over-insulated or disconnected. Or maybe just not telling the truth!
Criticism is actually necessary for us to grow. A person whose life is without criticism quickly becomes out of touch and arrogant. Winston Churchill said, “Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.”
The thing about criticism is that it is often just someone’s opinion. It may or may not be a fact. It may just be the way another person views it. Opinions are neither right nor wrong. They are the perspective from which someone views something. You may describe the criticism as harsh and mean, but then again, that is your opinion of the criticism. You too may be right or wrong.
Remember this: criticism is attracted to action. Change always attracts criticism—even improvements attract criticism. In the eye of the critic, the change is either not an improvement, or the change is uncomfortable or done wrong from another perspective.
“Why does it hurt so much?” is a good question.
What good comes of criticism?
- TRUTH. First of all, there may be some truth in it. Listening from the heart to a critic encourages humility. What if you have handled something inefficiently? What if you’re right, but went about it the wrong way? Maybe you could learn something here.
- ISSUES UNCOVERED. If you find criticism seems to hurt you deeply, it may mean you have unresolved issues buried in your life. That could open a door of healing for you. “Why does it hurt so much?” is a good question.
- SELF-CONTROL PRACTICE. Criticism gives you an opportunity to use self-control. Rather than reacting in anger or self-defense, listen to your critic, and think before you defend yourself. Ask for clarification before your anger moves you in another direction.
- PROGRESS. In order to move forward, you may have to endure strong criticism. That can sometimes feel like a heavy bag. You may have to carry that bag even when you are in the right. This builds both endurance and character in you. To be able to go on, even when others disagree with you and point fingers at you, shows that you are not a victim. But don’t ignore it. Determine if there is indeed something wrong with what you’re doing and make adjustments if necessary.
Here is what I want to say today. You are going to be criticized. The more ACTION you take, the more the criticism you will encounter. Absolutely no one who is doing anything is without criticism. Some deserved and some undeserved. When you are criticized, don’t panic.
First of all, ask God what you should do. Probably you should continue on, regardless of the critique, until God gives confirmation and guidance. Then you should humbly do the right thing in the right way. Bounce off the criticism. Pivot if necessary. Succeed and be blessed! The bottom line is this:
“Listen and humbly explore your critics’ words, but do not let your life be controlled by the opinion of others.”
