On every other day of his life, he’s been fantastic.
Teacher Edwin was a NICE guy, a fabulous teacher and a sensational soccer player. I was happy he was on my team in Guatemala on the day of staff bonding! (Good thing the accountant was on the other team. His accounting was straight but his ball-kicking, crooked.)
In a midfield confusion on a header challenge, Edwin came back down to earth with all of his weight squarely on my left toe. The toe nail cracked. I crumpled.
A soccer field to envy.
“Edwin! You’re supposed to injure the OTHER team,” I yelled, writhing on the ground. “You’re not supposed to injure me.”
Prayer is about injuring the other team. There are actually people in the church who think their gifting is criticizing others. But no, the gifts, according to 1 Cor. 12:8-10, are:
- word of wisdom
- word of knowledge
- faith
- healing
- miracles
- prophecy
- discernment
- tongues
- interpretation of tongues
Whatever those are, there is clearly no gift of criticism. When you criticize, you help out the Accuser of the Brethren (the devil, according to Rev. 12:10). Hey, let the devil do the accusing, and let’s not do it for him! When you criticize, you injure your own teammate.
You’re supposed to injure the other team. I’m taking medicine now — seven years later — for it.
Mustard Seed Budget 
Very interesting lesson! Thanks for sharing this.
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Amen!
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Oh my word! I’m so sorry about your toe! But you make a very good point. Criticism never does any good. Ever.
That’s why I compliment you!
What a moral lesson! Nice one! 🙂
-Nina ❤
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I’ve met Christians who feel it is their duty to point out the faults in others. It must be marvelous to believe God has set them up to be judge, jury and pain-causing executioner. It has been said Satan and his minions cannot enter a church and that may be true, but with those kind of Christians, there really isn’t any need for him to do so.
pointedly insightful comment!
Thanks for this article I think if we were really honest we all have been critical of another in our walk, thanks for reminding me of this timeless truth I feel so convicted right now
Yes, don’t feel terribly convicted. My own finger points at me.
A huge Amen (and take care of that toe…)!
Thanks! I think it’s time to take my medicine!
Thank you . . .I injured someone recently. 😦 I’ve asked for forgiveness and am praying, but still feel really bad. God bless you and your toe!
I think asking for forgiveness is wonderful. It is enough. Beyond that you can’t and don’t have to do too much. Don’t overly stress. It is good to pray. As Christians, we have to forgive even when people don’t ask forgiveness. How much more so when they do. Love covers a multitude of wrongs. Also, don’t be too hard on yourself, because James says we all offend with the tongue and the person who controls his tongue is the “perfect man.” Well, only Chrsit was perfect, right? Hope this raises your spirits! 🙂
Criticism–gossipy, negative destruction of character–a GIFT? Really? In that case, every human being is “gifted,” and we’re all in a great big bunch of trouble.
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