C R I T I C I S M

John 8:7

How do you handle people who criticize your team or your coaching staff?  Who are your strongest critics and how should we respond to them?  Let’s watch how Jesus deals with His critics.

 In John’s gospel at chapter 8 and verse 7 we read, “So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.’”

Jesus is a very smart guy.  The situation was that a woman was caught in the act of adultery (an offense punishable by death) and they tried to trick Jesus into either condemning her to death or excusing her sin.  He showed great wisdom in doing neither.  He simply reflected their judgments back at them and thereby silenced their accusations.

We all get tired of sports writers, radio commentators and critical spectators, making their accusations and second guessing athletes and coaching staffs.  But how can we handle their criticisms well and wisely?  Let’s learn from Jesus’ example.

Those who criticize and complain can be often silenced by simply reflecting their judgments back at them.  There’s no need to make excuses or to join in the criticism.  Rather than that, simply show the same inconsistencies and errors in the accusers and they’ll walk away in frustration. 

As you compete today, give the accusers no chance for criticism by making this the best effort of the season.  Play at the highest level of your capacity and there will be no room for criticism or complaint.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 12:20-36
I John 5:13-21
Job 18
Daniel 1-2