Tough Critics.

I was having a funny conversation with a friend yesterday, talking about all of the fashion trends that we’re sooo over. “Scarves? Those are kind of 2008.” “Yeah, do you think leggings are even on their way out now?” “Wow, look at that: Patent leather pumps with a white A-line skirt and a JEAN JACKET!”

Although we were kind of being silly, and I think we’d both recognize that Clinton Kelly from What Not To Wear would tear our closets to pieces, our general attitude was pretty critical.

So clothes and fashion could be considered art, leaving room for some criticism. But what about people’s motives, the words they use, the way they say those words, what they are interested in or not interested in, their tastes in _____, or how much they know about _____ (even leggings)? I guess I’ve grown so accustomed to doubting and judging others in all of these ways, that it’s not even on my radar much. Well, until recently.

How come certain people are more critical? Why do some people feel like they can see through everyone, or that they always have the better opinion, taste, or input on everything? Or specific things? I for sure feel as though I do! I was reminded today about true wisdom:

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Is your personal “wisdom” characterized by these qualities? Mine isn’t. Are you making peace in your thoughts towards others, or are you constantly tearing them down in your pride? How are you being open to reason and gentle in your understanding of others and who God has made them to be, in all their idiosyncrasies, flaws, and oversights, just like YOU and I have?!

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