Monday, December 12, 2011

When Others Judge You - Part 4 in Series

WHEN OTHERS JUDGE YOU!

What to do?? How to respond??

#1. Get used to it. There are roughly 7 billion people alive here on earth - all with opinions and fallen natures! Do you really think that you are going to live without criticisms and problems????

#2. Listen. Generally speaking. Should take the time to hear them out.
Prov. 12:15, Prov. 13:1 (a)
On one hand, there is a time to say "enough!", BUT, there is also a time to listen!

#3. Bite your tongue. Prov. 10:19, Prov. 18:13 It may be legitimate advice.
James 1:19-20

#4. Control your temper.
Prov. 14:29, Prov. 29:11

#5. Consider the criticism. There is need for balance here.
On one hand, don't let men decide your course (right/wrong)
But, remember that God often speaks through men. (prophets, apostles, etc.) Therefore, a wise man will consider what people have to say.

Example: Paul - Col. 2:16 - "don't let men decide for you..."
But, Gal. 2:2 - recognize that God might use them to direct you, to correct you!!

1 Cor. 4:3-4 - Paraphrase and application:
On one hand I care little for man's opinion......
On the other hand, I care a great deal for God's opinion!
Therefore, I should listen to (consider) man's opinion (criticism) because it could be God speaking through them!!!
(remember Balaam??? - Numb.22)

This does not mean you give equal time to all criticisms.
It means reasonable consideration to reasonable criticism!
Consider:
A. in light of God's word.
B. in a spirit of humility and prayer.
C. in the counsel of wise Christian friends.

Prov. 26:12 - he's below a fool.

IF NOT GUILTY
1. Give a controlled response or no response.
There is a time to explain and defend yourself. There is also a time to be silent!!
Prov. 15:1 (a)
Prob. 21:23

2. Let it go! -- refer back to first point!!!
Prov. 12:16 (a)
Prov. 19:11
Point:
A. don't let others' criticisms rule you.
B. stewing silently is not letting go!!

#3. Continue to be open - to correction.
There is danger of becoming calloused, indifferent, bitter, vengeful, etc.

IF GUILTY......
1. Admit it! The Greek word doesn't mean agree with man, but does mean agree with God!!
Prov. 17:10

2. Make appropriate response, change, amends - look for ways to correct.
Prov. 14:9

3. Learn from your mistakes.
Prov. 26:11 - on one hand, everybody stumbles, falls, but the wise man learns from it.

4. Grow !!
Prov. 15:31-32 - God's purpose is to develop God-like Character in you...

Summary Verse: Prov. 12:1 - "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." (and likely to remain so)

Beyond all this, all will be judged by God regarding what was done with His Son. God is the ultimate judge!!

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