Things For Christians to Consider Before Criticizing the Church (Part Two)

Things For Christians to Consider Before Criticizing the Church (Part Two) November 16, 2025

(Continuation from last week’s article)

We Appear Self-Righteous

To assume that we have found all the blemishes in the church and can fix all of her perceived problems in this generation is to put too much confidence in ourselves.  Knowledge truly does puff us up (I Corinthians 8:1).  As we see areas of fault or blind spots we need to point those out, but it would be nice to focus more on what the church is doing right.

Though Paul had much to correct the Corinthians about, he was sure to acknowledge their areas of obedience and faithfulness (I Corinthians 1:3-7; 11:2).  It is arrogant to assume that everyone has viewed countless Bible passages wrong for centuries until our “enlightened” age has come along (see Job 12:2).

Most criticism comes from a heart that wants to see the church be all that she can be and this commendable.  However, too much criticism will discourage people from doing anything at all lest they fall under the same condemnation as those before them.

The Pharisees became experts in how every Jew was wrong about the law and they eventually became stagnate in their obedience (Matthew 23:1-4).

It Betrays Balance

Paul told Timothy to reprove and rebuke, but also to encourage (II Timothy 4:2).  So many are doing their best to follow the New Testament and live pleasing to God and when all they hear is that they need more doctrine or devotion, or the church is too silent in the cause of social injustice, they will think they never do anything right.  God’s commands are not a burden and we can please Him.  Christians need to hear this message (I John 5:3).

As Christians, we need encouragement daily or else sin will harden our hearts (Hebrews 3:12-13).  Yes, Paul, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others challenged and rebuked God’s people for their error but this was always after they had been encouraged, uplifted, and given countless chances to make corrections (II Corinthians 12:3).

Paul often used the sandwich method in his writing.  He would begin a letter with praise for a faithful church, rebuke or make recommendations in the middle, and then end the letter with praise in the expectation that what he has said will be done.

We could learn a lot from this.  Jesus challenges the churches in the book of Revelation, but he is sure to point out the good in each congregation and encourage them to overcome.  This is how it should be done today.  We talk a lot about balance but we all struggle to show it.

(This article will continue next week.  See you then!)                                 By Hiram Kemp