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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: The Critique/Review (for writers) (05/06/10)
Let us examine and probe our ways, And let us return to the LORD. (Lamentations 3:40 NAS)
As a writer for a corporation, my duties encompass many tasks—writing, copywriting, proofreading, editing, and more. Reviewing another person's writing as well as my own is therefore part and parcel of my routine. Nonetheless, I must admit I am not a good critic when it comes to reviewing the written words of others. This is because I dislike offending or hurting another, and certainly do not wish to break the spirit of any aspiring writer. When examining my own writing, however, I spare no room for mistakes, because I am my own worst critic. Reviewing one’s own writing is a good practice, but relying on oneself as the only critic is seldom ideal or good enough. This is because when we review our own writings over and over again, we tend to cloud our minds and create blind spots, which usually can only be seen by another critic.

Like the way we review our own writings, the Bible teaches something similar in principle about living the Christian life. As believers in the Lord, all of us ought to ‘review’ ourselves regularly to examine and probe our ways to ensure we stay the course and remain in the faith (Lamentations 3:40; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Corinthians 13:5). Probing our ways alone however is seldom good enough because we tend not to see our own mistakes. We should therefore open up ourselves to receive constructive critiques from others, especially from those whose purpose is to guide us to the right direction. If, however, we receive critiques that seek to tear down or destroy, we should not take such critiques to heart. Only in this way will we be able take a step forward in our walk with God to grow in spiritual maturity. Likewise, we should do our part in giving constructive critiques to others, to warn and direct them in their walk with God (Matthew 18:15).

When giving critiques, however, let us remember not to be too judgmental in thinking too highly of ourselves as if we are always right or better than the other (Philippians 2:3). For in the way we judge others, we shall also be judged, and if our motive for giving critiques is to destroy and tear down, then by our own standard of measure, we will be measured (Matthew 7:1-2; Luke 6:37).

Help us dear Lord not to be too critical on others to want to destroy or tear down the spirit of one whose heart longs to serve You. Keep our hearts pure Lord to instead desire to encourage, teach and guide others in their walk with You. Remind us Lord to always examine our ways and our motives when giving critiques. Put within our hearts Lord the willingness to receive constructive critiques to improve ourselves that we may take the step forward in our walk with You!
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 1363 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Noel Mitaxa 
05/13/10
While this entry may move beyond the topic, you have nailed the attitude that should motivate whatever we do as God's people. Well done.
Genia Gilbert
05/15/10
A great attitude adjuster for receiving critiques, and good points in giving them out.
Brenda Shipman
05/17/10
This read like a devotional, weaving in what God's Word has to say about giving and receiving "critiques", not only in our writing, but in our walks with God, as well. I think it would've been more creative and interesting to include a personal story. Truth, when shared with a story from real life, makes it much more appealing. Good job with this.
LINDA GERMAIN 
05/17/10
Good advice any writer should keep posted in full view...or any non-writer for that matter! Nice devotional/teaching.
AnneRene' Capp
05/17/10
Nicely done. Encouragingly and compassionately truthful. Especially liked your direction for keeping God at the center of every motive.
Beth LaBuff 
05/18/10
Your beautiful prayer shows a heart in tune with God's (in the desire to NOT want to destroy others…). You've extensively backed up your devotion with Scripture. I can tell this flows from your heart.
Sara Harricharan
05/19/10
Love the honesty and transparency in this as a writer--thanks so much for sharing!
Verna Cole Mitchell 
05/19/10
You've made excellent analogies in your wisdom presented here.
Mildred Sheldon
05/19/10
How true about us being our own worst critic but like you said we are sometimes blind to our own short comings. I enjoyed this very much and will probably add this to my advice files.