Tossing grenades?

There is a part of my earlier years I sincerely regret, that of assuming the role of critic! I did it far too often and know now that I was a foolish man whose words created more animosity than real change. Critics have a role to play, pointing out flaws; giving artists, leaders, and other a strong motivation to ‘get it right.’ But, the years have taught me that it is a lot easier to toss grenades that blow things up than it is to build things in the first place.


How easily we take the critic's role.
We look at the struggling marriage of another saying, “Why doesn’t he just love her more intensely? What’s wrong with her that she can’t just forgive him his indiscretion?” Do we really understand the pain, the back story, all the issues that are at stake? No!
We are tempted to toss word grenades at Christians who walk through up’s and down’s in their holiness, at those whose financial situation is precarious, and ... well, who have you criticized today?

Jesus was sometimes a critic, but He generally approached others with offers of acceptance, understanding and lifting them up. When some grenade throwers dragged a woman who was having an adulterous affair to Him, did He lash out at her with scathing words about her shamelessness, her failure to understand the consequences of her choices, or her lack of character? No! He offered her love, gave her dignity. Only then did he say, “Now, go and sin no more.”

It’s a sign of security in God’s purposes and real emotional maturity to be an encourager. When Moses was told that his leadership of Israel was drawing to a close, he argued with the Lord, asking for more time. The Lord refused his request and told him - "commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.” (Deuteronomy 3:28, NIV) Moses’ obedience was remarkable. He became Joshua’s biggest supporter, urging him on, endorsing him before the nation. In part, Joshua’s amazing success was directly attributable to Moses’ encouragement.

So, disciple, will you forget yourself, your preferences, your comfort and take an interest in another?
Will you, for the Lord’s sake, become an encourager?

There is a great joy to be found in instilling another with hope, in helping to lift a burden, in pointing one to a new way of thinking. Some may realize what you have done and say, ‘thank you.’ Some may never know the wind that you redirected into their sails. Will you toss grenades like any old critic, or will you hold out hope?

Here’s a word from the Word. "Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." (Hebrews 3:13, NIV)

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Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad.
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

Make Me A Blessing
Wilson, Ira B. / Schuler, George S.
© 1924. Renewed 1952 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)

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