It never ceases to amaze me how people attempt to take stands on another person's words, actions, or position. So often said critics try to take a superior high-ground--possibly with pure motives. However, when critics don't like the person they talk about, I find their words suspect.
Invariably, instead of clearing up a matter, they wind up pointing fingers at the other person's character, integrity, and motives. Instead of simply disagreeing with another, the critics stumble, slip and end up stuck in a quicksand mudhole of their own making.
When they become indignant and accusatory, they are no different than those they accuse. They think they are noble to point out this flaw in another's character...they are quick to notice another's wrong. Yet, they are slow to recognize their own hypocritical duplicity--especially if the object (person) of their criticism is someone they do not like. They cannot see themselves in the mirror smeared with mud.
Politicians make a career of doing this. You know...the pot calling the kettle "black".
It seems since blogging and social media came along (providing a venue to voice opinions, critiques and reviews), that some bloggers find this venting venue equally tempting to point fingers of condemnation against anyone with whom they disagree. Christians accusing Christians. Pastors accusing pastors. Leaders accusing followers, followers accusing leaders. Editorials. Opinions. Blogposts.
"24 Enemies disguise themselves with their lips,
but in their hearts they harbor deceit.
25 Though their speech is charming, do not believe them,
for seven abominations fill their hearts.
26 Their malice may be concealed by deception,
but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it;
if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them." Proverbs 26:24-27
It just makes me wonder how many hearts harbor deceit. What abominations fill their hearts? What malice is concealed within the charming speech? Behind the mask of words, is there unexposed wickedness?
Have you checked your heart today? Do you disguise your feelings of animosity towards another with lips of flattery and empty apologies? Do you say one thing and feel another? Do you walk back words you've said to make your words sound better the second time they're served up? Have you dug a pit and found yourself in its grip? Have you rolled stones and found yourself beneath them?
If so, look up! God gives us new mercies each day. Bring every thought captive under Christ. Guard your thoughts and your tongue. Be slow to speak, and quick to listen. Give people the same benefit of the doubt that you want to be given. Show mercy, and pray for others you find yourself at odds with. There's more hope for today than you realize. selahV
