Sports fans criticize the officials, the coaches and the players. Parents criticize the teachers, the principals and the curriculum. And, yes, Christians criticize the elders, the deacons, the preachers, the other members and the church, in general. It’s easy to be a spectator and to lob criticisms at what others are doing (or perhaps, not doing that you think they should be doing).
Jesus had dinner in a Pharisee’s home in Luke 7. That Pharisee did not wash Jesus’ feet or even provide water for a washing. In other words, he wasn’t doing the necessary job himself. Yet, that Pharisee was the loudest critic of the woman who came and washed Jesus’ feet with a fragrant oil (Luke 7:36-39), without offering help himself. Jesus soundly rebuked him (7:40-47).
It is easy to sit back, without actually doing anything to help a situation ourselves, and hurl criticisms at the elders of a congregation for decisions or indecisions, for actions or inactions. It takes a true Christ-like heart to step up and help, serve and personally fill a gap (Matt. 20:28; Ezek. 22:30). What role do you usually play?
