"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so."
The scary line from this quote is, "we thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read." Why is it that we enjoy arrogance so much? We love to put ourselves in a position of prominence. We love to set ourselves on top of the world and pronounce judgement. And others love to read and listen. Gossip and slander gain traction real quick. A harsh word gains an audience way quicker than silence and faithfulness does.
We need to check our hearts before we respond to the work of others. The web serves as a great platform to blast others from with little to no consequences and I think that is why there are so many venomous blogs out there (maybe mine included). I feel convicted that I have for sure said and wrote things about others without giving them a fair trial.
In what areas of your life are you critiquing others? Where do you struggle with gossip and slander? Even if you never verbalize your complaints, it is still a rotten heart issue. So, where do you struggle?
Jesus, help us to not be critics, but truth-tellers. Help us to major in the gospel and to let you sort it all out in the end. Help us to rightly divide the word of truth without being arrogant or hurtful to others that are attempting to grow in their understanding of You. Help us Jesus. This is an area of deep need.
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