I'M A CRITIC and I'm Gonna Remain One.

I’ve started to write on “Criticism” three times now. Each time I rise with a new angle and try again. Being in prayer over my thoughts on “criticism,” I want to be fair and real about the subject without being too cruel or too lenient. I don’t want to be like the cool kids that says “Don’t judge!” but I also don’t want to be one of “those kids” that can’t see the grace or reality of a situation because of their legalism. So all other attempts to get thought on criticism on paper have been thrown out, and here is yet another attempt.

Criticism is a good thing. IF it is:

1. constructive
2. delivered with the motive of educating and encouraging
3. meant to push the ____ work to a new and better level/result
4. actually needed
5. coming from someone who has an established relationship with you

I actually like criticism if it’s helpful. I’m ok if someone comes and tells me I need to never do this, work on xyz, fix that, strengthen this as long as:

1. it comes from someone with knowledge or experience on the subject/area
2. it comes from someone I know is trying to help me and not be rude
3. it is a new idea/comment and not the same cliche feedback over and over again
4. is said in a diplomatic way so as to not trample me needlessly
5. is from a friend who is also “in the trenches” of developing maturity and growth in an area

I’ve had my photographs critiqued. I’ve had conceptual work critiqued. I’ve had my solo bassoon work critiqued. I’ve had my orchestra bassoon work critiqued. I’ve had my collaborative work critiqued. I’ve had my vocal music critiqued. I’ve critiqued other bassoonists, other musicians, other vocalists. I’ve critiqued other artists, other photographers, gallery exhibits. In just the last six years, I’ve survived a lot of criticism!  I’ve been run over with a truck and been given absolute wisdom in areas because of criticism. And I’m better for it. Every area of my life is better for a little critical, thought-out, feedback.

But if you mention the word “criticism” in the church, suddenly you’re the bad guy. Well, I’m going to be the bad guy and venture that yes, while cruel criticism for the sake of criticism is bad, constructive and well-intended criticism is needed in today’s church. It could be described as well-discerned observations translated into thoughtful feedback. You should always put THOUGHT into your criticisms.

Now I’m not saying any of this so that Christians feel they have the freedom to go and criticize all their church members and church authority. Never. But that doesn’t mean we passively allow “bad work” to exist in the church.

What I am hypothesizing is:
Christians, those who have authority in Christ (every believer) and have developed maturity in Christ(some believers...), with the gift of encouragement, or discernment, or prophesy etc, learn the skill of constructive criticism to better their church and fellow Christians.

I’m suggesting Christians not be so thin skinned as to not take a little hard to hear instruction from their church community. Learning is hard work. Being a learner is a skill. Learning a new way of living takes a lot of work and time. We are disciples of Christ, and the word disciple means “student.” So why do we run from feedback that could help us extraordinarily in our effort to get to better at what we do? Human nature, I suppose...but also because we receive a lot of poor or just plain dumb feedback so we bristle in defense at any criticism.Or sometimes we're just bad communicators and offend needlessly.

Now I said before I like criticism when it comes from people of standing in the subject, someone who has already learned the lesson they’re showing me I need to learn. It’s like someone pulling the chain on a free-hanging lightbulb. It is almost magical in the moment you hear the criticism and respond as some truth in their words just clicks. You get it. That’s the missing element you were trying to find. That’s the expression this passage was missing! That composition error makes it lack or wrong colors make it weak. That’s what I needed! That is great! What an amazing explanation! Great criticism is gold. Anyone can give praise or a pat on the back. Worthwhile and truthful criticism, delivered with gentleness and the intent to strengthen? That is a skill beyond monetary value in my book.

So when I say the church needs to learn to take Criticism, I’m not talking about, “THE CHURCH FAILED ME! The church sucks. The church is legalistic hypocrites.” Blah, blah blablahblah.

I could probably deliver more evil criticism on the church than most people. What I’m talking about is people IN THEIR OWN LOCAL CHURCH being aware and constructive. Seeing issues and constructively giving feedback to build people and being willing to work as part of the solution.

Not gossiping about problems. Not backbiting people who are doing their job wrong. Not slander or being a problem to or in the church. I’m talking about using our authority in Christ to speak gently to those around us who are not showing Christ as he is supposed to be shown. I’m talking about using discernment to see who needs some love and what needs a constructive word of criticism.

I’m saying maybe it would be profitable to give some constructive feedback to the church board, or women's ministry, or administration on this or that subject. Everyone talks of grace and love and mercy, and every human needs these in abundance. But the Church and Christians need tough love too.  But from someone who cares and is willing to put things in terms they can receive, from a person they can take it from. Only from someone who has been in the trenches and is fighting the same fight. And if you’re not investing in your home church, you shouldn’t be the one criticizing. I repeat, if you're not investing and involved and working for your local church, keep your mouth shut.

That being said, timing is everything. Sunday Morning service is not the time for Criticism. I’ve been rebuked of that more times than I want to admit. Prayer services, bible studies, ladies teas, are NOT the time for criticism. Turn off your mental critic. Do not disrupt or invade anything God is doing. Ever. As a rule, you probably shouldn’t speak criticism, unless the prompting of God is going to kill you if you don’t. If you can keep your mouth shut about some critique, then you probably should. It will keep until later and if it’s golden criticism, it won’t expire.

So no. I’m not going to go to church and tell everyone what I think is wrong with them. That would not be Christ-like. But the Pharisees were criticized. Peter was criticized.  Mary Magdalene was criticized. The skill is learning when to speak and when shut up. The skill is learning how to process criticism and take the truth and drop the bad by the wayside without bitterness. Was Mary hurt by Judas’ accusations of using her money wrong in anointing Jesus’ feet? Probably, but knowing she had done right and blessed her Lord probably trumped that prick of criticism. Did Peter take to heart the criticism of “Why did you take your eyes off me?” as Jesus pulled him out of the sea? Definitely. I’m sure that stung for a while. Rightly so. Unneeded Criticism vs. Constructive Criticism. Or Human Criticism vs. Jesus(inspired) Criticism.

This won’t be a welcomed idea. Criticism is a shunned word, hated by all who just want to be themselves and be free and have grace cover everything. I get it. But I also know, some of the greatest moments in my creative, musical, or Christian journey, were when people criticized my actions and motives. My BS was called out. My heart-issues were called into question. I took criticism from a friend or mentor. I wouldn’t have taken it from some absolute stranger telling me I have sin in my life. So if you decide you have this gift of criticism, I’m gonna suggest you get counseling. A critical spirit is hard to live with, and it may explain why you’re single and depressed. Being able to learn constructive criticism will only build your life, your connections, your influence and your spiritual maturity.

But within the community of believers, I think being easily offended and unwilling to talk about or receive criticism is also a sign of needing counseling. We need to be kind and loving and peacekeeping, yes! But we should not allow things that hold us back, like strongholds, inappropriate displays, or fear of what people will think of us to keep us at the same level. We shouldn’t let fear of speaking to our friends about something stop us from sharing what might grow them exponentially. Do make sure you have the right of friendship and love to speak such things, but among friends, speak hard truths! I have a list of people I can say difficult things to and the rest of the world will have to ask me if they want my feedback. In the name of love, peace and knowing they won’t accept if from me, I’ll keep quiet. But those same people I speak out to, know they can speak difficult truths back to me. And so the community of “church” is built.  

Maybe I’m too loud or outspoken. Maybe I’m too abrasive or too balls-to-the-wall for Christians. But I can’t believe criticism is bad. It can be good. If you’re not too sensitive. Not above criticism. It can be good if you’re gentle and rightly motivated to give criticism.

So yes. I’m a critic and going to remain so. Hopefully, constructively.