It's far easier to criticize than to lend a hand

Here are five things to keep in mind today!

1. Instead of criticizing our public education system and educators, we should be praying for them.

Federal and state funding for education programs has been declining. Public education systems and educators are trying to teach our kids within a system that is overwhelmed with challenges. 

For the past four weeks I have been working at my local neighborhood elementary school. It has 400 students and not enough educators to go around. Close to 90% of the kids attending this school are eligible for free-and-reduced meals, meaning they come from low-income households. Many of the kids attending come from single-parent households struggling to make ends meet.

Our educators are already feeling the burden of an uphill battle. They could use our prayers, not our finger-pointing.

2. It's far easier to criticize than to lend a hand.

Speaking of point #1 above, in general, it's far, far easier to look at a situation (like public education or politics) point a finger and utter unkind words. 

This does nothing to change a negative situation and most often contributes to it 

Instead we should go to God in prayer, ask: Show me how to pray Lord! Show me what I can do to help today. 

It always costs something to change the world. And changing the world often begins in our own neighborhood.

3. Our pastors and church leaders need our support, not our critique.

In Western culture, or more specifically, the United States, church attendance has been on the decline. I don't know if it's yet reached the point that there are more folks on a Sunday morning criticizing the church than attending one. At times, it sure feels like it.

One of the hardest jobs on earth is leading a congregation. I'm sure Moses could have written a book about it. (Come to think of it, he did. It's called Exodus.)

I'm not saying that all pastors are perfect, but, on the other hand, who among us is? Barring gross infractions of the pastoral office, could you imagine what a difference it would make in most local churches if the members committed to pray daily for church leadership to be filled with God's wisdom, grace, mercy and love?

4. God sets the standard for my behavior and how I view the world. 

Way too often I let current events drive my thoughts. 

Yes, it's important to remain informed. It's important to become a citizen of the world, in regards to having a working knowledge of the challenges nations and families are facing. But it's just as important to take those challenges to God, asking what God would have us do.

Knowledge alone isn't enough to solve a challenge. 

There's always a spiritual dimension behind each problem. Didn't the apostle Paul say something to the effect that we don't struggle against flesh (each other) but against powers and principalities? Pray first. Listen. Then act! Speaking of which...

5. The beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord.

Anyone who has spent time reading Proverbs knows this one. But how often do we forget!

How often do I simply overlook this basic truth?

Fear, in this scriptural reference, refers to awe, deep-seated respect and reverence. 

A person who has a healthy fear of the Eternal One most likely isn't going to give in to temptation or other unproductive behavior. When they do, they will more inclined to correct the mistake.

Fearing the Lord leads to knowing who God is. Knowing who God is leads to relationship. That relationship grows as love grows, leading to consistent obedience. As we are consistently obedient to God we grow in wisdom from that relationship of love.

Feel free to reply!

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