by Steve Higginbotham
I’m sure that you have heard the story about the two taxidermists who were walking down the street and stopped in front of a store window. In the window, an old owl was on display. These two specialists immediately began to criticize the way it was mounted: its eyes were not natural, its wings were not in proportion with the head, its feathers were not neatly arranged, and its talons could be greatly improved. When they finished their critique, the old owl turned its head and winked at them!
While there are times when criticism is appropriate and even necessary, I think we would all agree that sometimes it isn’t necessary and is merely the result of a lapse in controlling our tongue.
This year’s theme at Karns is to be “ONE that the world might be WON.” Criticism and an unbridled tongue is a threat to the unity of the church. And when the church isn’t ONE, the world won’t be WON!
I am so thankful for the spirit of unity that exists at Karns, but I don’t want us to take it for granted. We must continue to be vigilant. Therefore, allow me to challenge everyone to endeavor to:
Be less critical and more understanding. Be less judgmental and more merciful. Be slower to speak words of criticism and quicker to speak words of praise. Spend less time finding faults and more time extolling virtues in others. Make a conscious effort to praise other Christians in the presence of your children
rather than allowing them hear your criticisms of them. Be gentle and express your criticism to the appropriate party when needed.
I believe that if we will accept these challenges, we will take positive steps to being ONE that the world might be WON!