The best cure for the common case of criticizing is remembering from whence we came! I believe the reason we criticize or make judgments is because we have forgotten who we have been to Jesus (or still are!). For the most part, the reason we initially enter into a relationship with Christ is because we recognize our sin, and not wanting to continue walking a road that leads to death, we receive the only One who can save us. We’re grateful. Gratefulness has us doing what we believe is right in order to please the One who saved us. It seems there is a slow fade into compromise and complacency, and before we know it, we’re living not remembering what we’ve been saved from and Who saved us. Life is now about us. When we are the centre of our world then all of a sudden we are the experts at how and what to do in any given situation. Hence, criticism and judgment are commonplace. It’s like we want to be remembered and honoured for our contribution. It’s like we want to be someone’s saviour.
A character in the Bible who comes to mind is Mordecai, the cousin of Esther. This man overheard two of the palace workers plotting to kill the king. He forwarded the message to Esther who in turn told the king. Although Esther had told the king that it was Mordecai who had discovered the plot, the king neglected to honour Mordecai privately or publicly. This would have been a perfect opportunity for Mordecai to criticize and judge or even to think of himself as the king’s saviour. Instead, he graciously and humbly continued performing his duties. Of course, Haman didn’t think he was either gracious or humble as he refused to bow to him. Mordecai was more concerned with the honour of his God than his own. Once he heard the news that the Jews were to be annihilated, he challenged Esther to use her God-given position to intervene. Mordecai’s thoughts weren’t centred on himself and the honour that wasn’t paid to him for saving the king’s life. He was remembering where he came from – the rock from which he was hewn – Abraham. The Jews were his people and they needed a Saviour. God did turn everything around, and although the decree to annihilate the Jews couldn’t be reversed, they were given permission to defend themselves against their enemies.
Was Mordecai remembered? Yes, he was, and honoured by the king for his part in saving his life. On top of that, he was given a second-in-command position in the king’s palace.
It’s true, not all stories turn out this way. Not all people are remembered and honoured at the end of the day. I don’t believe Mordecai was looking to be remembered. For whatever reason, God chose to have the king remember him and subsequently honour him. What happens when we aren’t remembered for our contributions? Do we quickly turn to criticism or judgment? Or do we quickly turn to God - grateful that He chose us to serve Him and His people? I remember my spiritual mum saying that if you aren’t remembered and honoured here on earth, then you will be in heaven. Where would you rather be remembered – here on earth? Or in heaven?
What is worth remembering? That you were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls (I Peter 2:25 The Message).
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