When we have a critical attitude, we become judge, jury and executioners at the same time. This kind of criticism destroys, not build. In 2 Corinthians 10:13, Paul states, "For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down."
God gave him the authority for the purpose of the construction of people and not for overturning them. We find a better understanding of this in 1 Corinthian 8:1, where it teaches us that love builds up.
We are accustomed to judge with human standards and when we do this, especially with those who are close to us, we place a barrier, which does not allow others to flourish. It's easy to focus on the faults of others and what we would like to change in them, but God is the one who gives us the talent, the creativity and the strength. "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand," Isaiah 64:8.
Our job is not to change others. It is to love, to forgive, to encourage and to sow the seeds of God's love, His laws and His word (The Bible). The labor of change is God's work and that of the Holy Spirit. God will not force His way into our hearts, nor should we try to force His ways unto others. God knocks at the door of your heart, He DOES NOT force it open, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me," Revelation 3:20.
The Holy Spirit changes us and fills us with the capacity to to forgive, to deter from sin and to simply live a Christian life. The Holy Spirit acts as a guide that tells us what to do and what not to do, where to go and where not to go, while fillings us with the willing desire to love and glorify and love God and each other.
Let us, instead, work towards:
* Encouraging each other, 1 Thessalonians 5:11
* To have self awareness of our own spiritual walk, Matthew 7:1-5
* To exhort one another with love, Hebrews 3:13
* To avoid trying to change others into something they are not or not willing to accept, Romans 10:10-17
Great post, fancymeny,
I wholeheartedly agree. All of the energy people put into dissecting other people's faults is a waste of time.
I especially like the part about how it's not our place to try to change others. Live and let live. Trying to impose your will upon others is distasteful.