On a scale of 1 to 10, how critical are you?
Sure, some of our personalities are more prone to it. And being critical isn’t always a negative trait. Critical people don’t settle – they possess high standards of excellence.
But that’s not today’s topic. I’m talking about the kind of criticism that can keep us from the presence of God. The kind of criticism that is always looking in from the outside, looking down on others, and keeping us from being the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.
Nervous? Here we go.
For starters, I loved this article from Desiring God. I’m challenged because all too often I don’t lean in, press in, and worship with my whole heart. I lay back and criticize. I compare myself to other musicians and different worship leaders and how much better I am than they. I don’t often press in because I love God and want to be near Him.
But we’re all guilty of this. A day doesn’t go by where I see a new Facebook article on the sad state of modern worship or some type of slam against how a ministry is doing it all wrong and ruining the church. But what I love about the article is he mentions only those who are leaning in as worshipers have something to say about its reform.
You could put it like this:
“Until you’re pursuing the heart of God and laying bare your heart in abandoned worship, you have nothing to criticize. We don’t need reformers…we need worshipers.”
Let’s be real. Churches don’t just need your feedback (sure, that can be a good thing). More importantly, your church needs your worship.
Your leadership down front.
Your abandoned heart.
Your all in attitude.
The Zero Criticism Challenge
So I’m offering a challenge to you…to me….to anyone who is up for it. For the next month, no criticism of anything. Unless you’re a service programming director or a worship leader who’s job it is to make your worship services more effective. Outside of those meetings, zero criticism.
For just a month, I know you can do this.
- When you listen to worship music, don’t analyze and chop it up. Worship God through it.
- When you attend a worship service, don’t compare yourself or judge the musicians. Lift your hands, dance, and sing at the top of your lungs.
- When you see what another church is doing, applaud them. Don’t think about how you could do it better.
- When you hear a sermon, don’t just judge the theology, slam the topical sermon, or complain about how shallow it is. Instead, apply what’s being said without judgement.
- When you volunteer on your worship team and are frustrated with the church or how leadership runs things, show up and give your all.
- When you’re with your friends and church gossip starts to spring up, be the first to shut it down.
We need to stop being outsiders on the inside. We need to fully engage, no matter what the environment is.
Part of an outdated, small church that sings worship songs from the 90s? No criticism for you. Be fully present, fully engage.
Part of a megachurch with loud music and a bunch of rockstars and smoke machines on stage? No criticism for you. Be fully present, fully engage.
Part of an Episcopal church that sings 17th century hymns with a pipe organ? No criticism for you. Be fully present, fully engage.
Disillusioned and offended by the last church you attended? Disillusioned by church in general? That’s OK. The church never promised to be perfect. It is full of hypocrites. The whole world is full of them. No criticism for you. Be fully present, fully engage.
What would happen if we really stopped criticizing? What would happen to our communities if we chose unity…if we adopted the same vision and just got on board? What would change?
I’m not saying we need to stop thinking critically and just blindly follow bad leadership. Of course not. But I fear that’s not our danger. It’s that we’re on the outside pretending to be on the inside.
Are you up for the challenge? If so, let us know in the comments. Instead of putting down what other are doing or how others are leading, think about how you can step up and make things better.
Are you in?
In case you haven’t heard, we just released a brand new online course for keys players called Learn Worship Keys. Currently we have over 100 students going through the 30+ video course, becoming smart, better keys players for their local churches. For 3 free videos, add your email here:
[ois skin=”Learn Worship Keys”]
Probably a 10 David, as if you haven’t noticed.
Biblical criticism can be clearly seen in all of scripture. As an example, James criticizes any and all of us who would show favoritism to the wealthy in our worship and life. (2)
Biblical criticism is critical to maintain.
It will always have biblical integrity as its target.
It will spur us on towards good works.
It will always have love as its motivating and guiding force.
Criticism is: Your hair is ugly. Why do you walk funny? Your momma wears army boots.
It always hopes to tear down others so that I or “my clan” can appear to be better.
I confuse criticism with admonition when I refuse to allow my life and actions to be judged by, governed by and illumined by the truth of scripture.
Hebrews 5:11-14 ” We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
I am certain that many in the Hebrews audience felt as if they were being criticized for being childish as a result of their own negligence. But the writer had other motivations in mind. This same passage can produce a critical air to me if I am one who is needing “over and over again” instruction.
My wife is an elementary school music teacher. Her children have learned that her criticism and her demands for excellence are sometimes not that far apart. But not one of her students questions her love for them because her criticism is not of their person. They would if she took a month off from insisting on excellence as a standard. In fact, they would run over her.
You cannot read the pastoral epistles without gaining a correct sense of accountability, gifts and callings–all to keep the church in a state of growth and maturity–all to protect the church from wolves and error.
Paul said, “You stupid Galatians” (3:1) Why? Because he was critical and demeaning, having a bad day? No, he loved them and the situation demanded his reprimand. Surely, no matter his motivation, many thought him to be critical.
The same writer wrote to the Philippians, “Live in harmony by showing love for each other. Be united in what you think, as if you were only one person.” (2:2) He became critical when they did not.
Godly leaders live by at least two principles here:
1- An intolerance for personal sin. (self criticism)
2-A shepherds rod that is used when children become wayward (church-body criticism)
“Church leaders, I am writing to encourage you. I too am a leader, as well as a witness to Christ’s suffering, and I will share in his glory when it is shown to us.
Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money. Don’t be bossy to those people who are in your care, but set an example for them. Then when Christ the Chief Shepherd returns, you will be given a crown that will never lose its glory.”
Needed this today. Thanks David.
I did too 🙂 Thanks Phil!
Excellent challenge…I’m in!
Welcome to the club!
This is so good. so humbling. its way too easy to get caught up in this. been convicted of justifying it in the name of “just saying” or “trying to help.” God wants a spotless bride and I’m sure i’ve made enough spots on it in my own heart. What makes me think giving my opinion is actually cleaning other spots?
This is why your the best bro. Love your posts. and hate them at the same time cause they are always so humbling!!!
Hahah, thanks bro! I’m always writing out of my own inconsistencies. Even as a “coach” who’s job it is to give feedback, I never want to get to a place where my heart isn’t moved by the glory of God. Your passion inspires me, Brian.
#truthbomb
#bringiton
Good words! Thank u for the reminders 🙂
Wow totally needed this !! It’s a tough one for me to swallow but I’m in !!!
Welcome to the team! 🙂