“Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning.”-1 Corinthians 15:34
Let’s take some time to think on a word that can be used both positively and negatively: I’m thinking of the word critical. What comes to mind when you think of the word critical? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, one way the word critical is defined is as follows: “exercising or involving careful judgement or judicious evaluation.” This is positive, right? All of us would like to be described as one who uses careful, wise thinking about things in life. We want to be critical thinkers. This is very beneficial!
On the other hand, critical can also be defined as, “inclined to criticize severely and unfavorably.” Dicitonary.com defines critical this way: “inclined to find fault or to judge with severity, often too readily.” This is clearly negative. None of us should desire to be one who is known or prone to quickly point out what’s wrong in others. This is being a critical person.
In the Bible, God clearly calls us to be critical thinkers, yet not to be critical people. For example, let’s reread 1 Corinthians 15:34 which says, “Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning.” Along the same lines, Romans 12:2 lays out clear instructions about how Christians are to think, saying: “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 know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” It's obvious that our thinking is very important to God and should lead us to love better, not just puff us up with an abundance of knowledge. John Piper put it so well, explaining, “Knowing and thinking exist for the sake of love—for the sake of building people up in faith. Thinking that produces pride instead of love is not true thinking.”
Scripture never encourages us to be critical people. Rather, we read such passages as Ephesians 4:2: “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” God's love for us, and now in us, causes us to overlook faults, not quickly find them in others. Colossians 3:13-14 reminds us: “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together…”
May this reminder spur us on to commit to being critical thinkers, thoughtfully considering what God says through His Word, pondering what is true and right. At the same time, may we intentionally lay down any tendency toward being a critical person with a nitpicky temperament. Critical thinkers, not critical people.
Help us with this, Lord, for the honor of Your name and the help of Your people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Cheer up, friends!
-Scott