Molding Power of Criticism
By J. W. Lowe
Do not allow yourself to get into the habit of talking about the wrong traits and deeds of other people, and setting yourself up as their judge. Remember that if you have not the same faults and evil propensities they have, you may have others that are just as bad. Even if we ourselves were without fault, it would not be right or profitable to talk about the evil doings of others. But we know, from the teaching of the Bible, that of all who have lived on this earth, Jesus was the only one whose life was free from sin. Instead of spending our time and energy criticizing other people, it would be more reasonable and profitable to criticize ourselves. Besides, the habit of criticizing and judging others is not according to the Golden Rule. None of us enjoy being the object of criticism. Then let us treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves. “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matt. 7: 2. Furthermore, much is lost to ourselves in allowing our minds to dwell upon the wrongdoings of others. It is a law of nature that our minds are molded after the things they dwell upon. Thinking of the evil that is in others, tends only to deteriorate us; but dwelling upon the good that is in others, elevates and ennobles us. This is the reason why we, by constantly beholding Christ, are changed into His image. J. W. Lowe.