Everyone’s A Critic

Some people are incessant critics.

The Pharisees and Sadducees criticized John the Baptist for not drinking wine or eating enough, and they criticized Jesus for eating and drinking with tax collectors, prostitutes, and other sinners. They didn’t like what John and Jesus stood for, so they did all they could to find things to criticize them about and damage their credibility in the eyes of the general public.

I’ve faced that at times—we all do. I’ve received criticism for having a defense-led team in Tampa Bay rather than developing a higher-powered offense; then in Indianapolis, I was criticized for having an offensive-minded team that didn’t have enough defensive stars.

Some criticize NFL coaches for making the playoffs regularly but never “winning the big one.” Other coaches are criticized for selling out their future teams to attempt one year of greatness instead of regular appearances in the playoffs.

Go figure.

That’s what Jesus noted too. People criticized John for not drinking wine and then criticized Jesus for drinking wine. Of course, the religious leaders of the day criticized both of them for other things as well—revealing the inconsistency in their complaints.

When people criticize you, it’s not always for your actions; sometimes it’s for what you represent. If they’re really criticizing you for your faith, it’s important to maintain your focus and continue on the pathway that God has set before you, even in the midst of criticism.

His Promises

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.