The following was taken from
If the Pasta Wiggles, Don’t Eat It… And Other Good Advice, by Martha Bolton, a humorous book of devotions for young people.
Did you know criticism isn’t a ministry? The way a lot of people act, you’d think it’s their calling. They can find more faults than a California geologist.
I try not to spend much time around critical people. They wear me down. I can do a hundred things right and they won’t say a word. But if I mess up one time, they’ll be on my doorstep faster than firemen en route to my kitchen.
Some people try to disguise their negative comments by calling them “constructive criticism….”
Maybe there is such a thing as constructive criticism, but too often “constructive” criticism is destructive. It’s not tempered with sensitivity and it comes from a less-than-helpful heart.
I’ve worked with many teenagers and I know they can hear compliments all day long, but that one critical comment is what will stick with them. Adults aren’t much different.
Sure, we all need to know when we’re making a mistake, not putting forth our best effort, or completely lousing up. But wouldn’t it be better if we spent our time offering constructive encouragement instead?
Copyright 1995, p. 54.
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The Lord is the strength of my life and my portion forever.
