- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Messages
- 18,404
Learn to benefit from criticism
'Whoever learns from correction is wise.' PROVERBS 15:5
There are two kinds of criticism:
1) criticism we don't deserve. One day Henry Ward Beecher stood up to preach. He noticed that someone had left on the pulpit some paper with the word 'fool' written on it. He knew someone was having a go at him. He lifted the paper for all to see, then he announced, 'Generally I receive letters from people who write and forget to sign their name. This letter is different. The person has signed his name but forgotten to write the letter.' Jesus said, 'Offences will come' (Luke 17:1). So expect them. You're getting noticed. You're making a difference. So when you are criticized unjustly, forget it and move on. Jesus did!
2) Justified criticism. Criticism that's justified is the kind with a measure of truth in it. An old Arabian proverb goes like this, 'If one person calls you a donkey, forget it. But if five people call you a donkey, buy a saddle.' Dr James G Kerr, a management psychologist, points out that we don't grow or learn about ourselves if we don't listen to anything about ourselves that isn't flattering. Stop hiding from the truth. Every one of us can improve what we're doing and the way in which it's being done. As they say, 'The largest room in the world is room for improvement!'
written by Bob Gass
'Whoever learns from correction is wise.' PROVERBS 15:5
There are two kinds of criticism:
1) criticism we don't deserve. One day Henry Ward Beecher stood up to preach. He noticed that someone had left on the pulpit some paper with the word 'fool' written on it. He knew someone was having a go at him. He lifted the paper for all to see, then he announced, 'Generally I receive letters from people who write and forget to sign their name. This letter is different. The person has signed his name but forgotten to write the letter.' Jesus said, 'Offences will come' (Luke 17:1). So expect them. You're getting noticed. You're making a difference. So when you are criticized unjustly, forget it and move on. Jesus did!
2) Justified criticism. Criticism that's justified is the kind with a measure of truth in it. An old Arabian proverb goes like this, 'If one person calls you a donkey, forget it. But if five people call you a donkey, buy a saddle.' Dr James G Kerr, a management psychologist, points out that we don't grow or learn about ourselves if we don't listen to anything about ourselves that isn't flattering. Stop hiding from the truth. Every one of us can improve what we're doing and the way in which it's being done. As they say, 'The largest room in the world is room for improvement!'
written by Bob Gass
