The Cancer of Criticism

The cancer of criticism.

I ran across that phrase in a book by J. Edwin Orr. He argued that unconfessed sin among Christians is a major hindrance to revival.

It’s easy to understand.

We destroy our team spirit through backbiting, gossip, slander, and lying. When the cancer of criticism takes root in a church, it quickly spreads to all parts of the body.

No one is immune to this sin.

I had a seminary professor who liked to say, “It takes no size to criticize.” He’s right.

The world is filled with critics. On every hand we have self-appointed “truth-tellers” whose calling in life seems to be finding what’s wrong with everyone else. If you listen to them long enough, they’ll soon begin sniping at others.

Ephesians 4:29 warns about “rotten speech” that pollutes the atmosphere. It happens in churches, in homes, and in the workplace.

The very next verse says, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.” We do that whenever we take cheap shots and spew verbal garbage. Our unkind words make the Holy Spirit weep, and they cut off the stream of God’s blessing.

Here’s the message for today. Think before you speak. Hold your tongue. Keep your catty comment to yourself.

The last part of Ephesians 4:29 tells us to speak words that “give grace to those who hear.” As God has given grace to you, speak words that give grace to others.

We would all do better to live by the TKN rule:

1. Is it True?
2. Is it Kind?
3. Is it Necessary?

What a difference it would make if we got rid of the cancer of criticism this week.

Speak life!
Speak truth!
Speak grace!

Father, baptize my lips so that I may speak like Jesus. May my good words make the Good News beautiful to others. Amen.