Moment With Betty

Today, l want to talk about a reality that confronts and touches all of us, no matter our background, goals, or achievements. It’s the reality of criticism. The truth is, if you do anything at all in this world, (good or bad), people will criticise you. Criticism is simply people’s disapproval of something you did or said. We see this playing out in Matthew 11: 18 – 19. ‘’When John came, he fasted and drank no wine, and everyone said, he has a demon in him! When the son of Man came, he ate and drank, and everyone said, ‘’Look at this man! He is a glutton and a drinker, a friend of tax collectors and other outcasts!’’  So, criticism comes into effect when people’s sole interest is to find fault.

One of the factors that easily affects us psychologically is when we live on people’s assessment of who we are. What we don’t know is that people will listen or read with sole attention of finding something in fault, so that they can analyse and judge you. Believe me, what is still keeping many people today in hiding is the fear of what people will say or think about them. Sometimes, our minds are so immersed in people’s evaluation thus, we are so afraid to do something positive. The truth is that there is nothing you will do that people will not criticise. They will surely criticise and fault you so, let it not stop your good intentions.

If you like, feed the whole world, save lost souls, help the helpless etc., people will look for something to talk about. So, let what people say not bother you or stop you. God knows your heart.  Think about it, even Jesus and John the Baptist as we can see above, were not safe in their own time.  Don’t ever think that everybody will like what you do. Sometimes, the way people present you to their listeners can be so harsh that you will feel some internal discomfort, not to worry, remain positive, take some lessons there and move on instead of allowing people to hold you back or pull you down. Remain positive.

 It is true that criticism touches our most vulnerable places, our ego, our self-worth, our fear of failure but don’t let that define who you are. Remember that Jesus was not stopped during His time because of people’s disapproval of what He did. So why should you fear being judged, misunderstood, or rejected. What you don’t know is that the more you run to avoid criticism, the smaller your life becomes and you sacrifice growth for comfort, and opportunity for safety. So, instead of always evaluating whatever they say or do, sieve out the positives, and correct the negatives but don’t ever allow people stop you from fulfilling your mission on earth. Let the Holy Spirit guide whatever you do.

The fact is that you cannot avoid criticism, even if you try to make everyone one to love you. Someone, somewhere, will have an issue with you. They will misunderstand you. Therefore, avoiding criticism will only keep you at bay, make you afraid and probably limit your potential. What you should know is that no one is perfect because those talking behind your back, criticising you, also have others who are doing the same to them. So, no one is immune to criticism. Therefore, if you want to avoid criticism, according to Elbert Hubbard’’ do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.”. Maybe then, you will escape judgment, ridicule, or critique.

Finally, do not do things only when people are praising you. Living on praises can also be misleading. Some of them are sycophancy. The fact is that what we do in this life must not find its foundation on what people say or do. After our lives here on earth, we are not going to give account to anyone except God. So, what people say should not be your key point. The most important thing is for you to follow your heart and like Jesus said in the gospel, the outcome will prove wisdom right.