Today's Turning Point from David Jeremiah

Twelve Feet of Criticism

"Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he married."
Numbers 12:1 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

In May of 1922, when the famous rescue mission in Chicago, the Pacific Garden Mission, had to relocate from Van Buren Street to 650 South State Street, a firestorm of criticism erupted. Some who had been converted at the old location refused to move. "Do you see that plank right there on the platform?" asked one converted alcoholic. "Twelve years ago my tears fell there when Jesus saved me." The reaction was so emotional that mission leaders wisely hired carpenters to take out a twelve-foot square from the platform and move it to the new location.

In church life and in our personal relationships, we can react strongly and critically at something we don't like. Often our response is more emotional than thoughtful, and we sometimes heap criticism on people who are themselves under pressure. We make their work harder.

When someone is leading or when they're struggling, why do people add to their burden by second-guessing their decisions? Our goal should be to encourage others at all costs. Get hold of your critical reactions, and prayerfully try to be an encourager.

Fault-finding is dreadfully catching; one dog will set a whole kennel howling.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon