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The Focus
by Dennis Wheeler
Just wondering . . . have you ever been around a critical person?
In your workplace is there a person who gripes about every single little thing?
Is your spouse a nit-picky, critical fanatic?
Do you sit next to someone in church who critiques everything...from the message to the music?
Doesn't their negative and arrogant attitude just leave a sour taste in the pit of your stomach?
If you're around people like this...it just ain't a whole lot of fun!!
Criticism can spoil an evening; it can ruin the best thought out plans; and it can certainly restrict the spirit of joy within a church family.
As I read my Bible I have yet to locate a Scripture verse that talks about 'criticism' being a spiritual gift. I haven't read where Jesus sends us into the world to 'nit-pik' at everything.
What I do find in my Bible is a beautiful verse in Matthew 5 where He tells us that we are the 'salt' of the world! Now, just think for a moment why you use salt. Do you use it to spoil your food? NO - - what a crazy thought! I put salt on my food to improve the taste and quality. In fact, a big hunk of fresh watermelon with some salt sounds good right now!!!!
That's exactly what Jesus has in mind for His followers. Christians are charged with improving the flavor and the quality of this changing world. What an exciting and thrilling purpose we have!!
Take an honest look in the mirror and think on these questions . . .
[list]Am I seasoning my community?
Am I flavoring my church?
Do I add spice to a bland world?
Do I spend too much time criticizing?
When folks are around me do they leave with a good flavor in their spirit or a sour taste in the pit of their stomach?
Does my life help keep my church from spoiling?
When talking with others is my speech sprinkled with encouraging words or critical words?[/list]
Pray today for God's help in increasing your flavor and impact in your family, your church, and your world!
Remember...YOU are the salt of the earth! (Matthew 5:15)
He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
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