Maybe it is just me, but there seems to be an uptick in criticism in online exchanges. There is a time for criticism, but there is also a time for charity. Perhaps it is because everyone is staying home with no other way to expend energy and stress. Let’s be honest…this has been happening for quite some time. Especially when it comes to politics.
Pray for Leaders
There is no doubt that we are to hold our leaders accountable for what they say and do. Thus there is a need for criticism. After all not all criticism is bad. That is how we get better and improve in every aspect of life.
However there is a balance. For every time that we criticize our leaders there should be a time that we pray for them. It is a biblical concept found in many parts of scripture. One such instance is 1 Timothy 2:1-2 which states,
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.”
Even If You Disagree
Praying for those with whom we disagree is quite a conundrum. After all, it goes against everything that we hear about in society. We can disagree with someone and still pray for them and wish them the best. We can pray for our political leaders that the Lord will give them the guidance needed to do what is right.
Over the last few years, and perhaps longer, we have lost this. By no means am I saying this is an issue with everyone, but if social media and other forms of media are any indication, it is a widespread issue. It is an issue with both political parties. All done in an effort to demonize each other in the pursuit of power.
Criticism Isn’t A Bad Thing
In my career I have never seen criticism as a bad thing. I view it as an opportunity to learn. Are we criticizing with suggestions and for improvement, or to bury the person? A majority of society has fallen into two extremes. On one hand, there is the group that sees any type of criticism as a personal attack. There is no openness to critique for the sake of improvement. On the other hand there is the group that relentlessly tries to find fault without acknowledging anything else.
Perhaps you fall into one of the two groups. Take a step back and evaluate yourself. This is also something I write to myself. Are we engaging in prayer for the people who may be critiquing us? Are we willing to listen to there suggestions? Maybe they have more experience in an area and the Lord sent them to give us guidance.
Perhaps you fall into the camp of relentlessly critiquing. Like I said, critiquing isn’t a bad thing. It is bad when we let it consume us and let it lead to an intense hatred. That is what I see with most online exchanges. I see no respect for ideas, no respect for different opinions, and some even are damning people to hell people they disagree on political persuasion.
As Christians we are called to a higher standard. We are called to prayer for our leaders and pray for those with whom we disagree. This is maybe the challenge of challenges. It is something that goes against our nature, but it is a command from Christ.
If you feel the need to critique then go for it. All I ask is that you also pray for them. Please pray for me as well as I do for you. God bless.
Photos courtesy of Pixabay
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