Constructive Criticism
ACTS 18:23 - 19:12 (June 28)
There are times in our lives when we think we really KNOW about something. Maybe we even feel like an expert on the particular subject.
Have you ever felt like the authority on something? Maybe it was how to potty train a child, the best way to shop for a car, or how to get the most out of your grocery budget. Whatever it is, you know that you know that you know...you KNOW what you are talking about.
How well do you do when someone has a better idea? Or when they have some more information to share? Constructive Criticism is hard for some to take. For others, it is taken with a grateful heart. Either way, it is a necessary in our lives.
Learning to take Constructive Criticism with a positive attitude can go a long way in helping you be even more of an expert on whatever your expertise is.
Apollos was good at taking this constructive criticism. Paul went on visiting with believers in other villages, and a Jew named Apollos showed up in Antioch. He was a believer who knew the Old Testament well and spoke eloquently. He had been taught the ways of the Lord, and his enthusiastic spirit taught others about Jesus. Like I said before, he knew all about the Old Testament, but wasn't versed in all the ways of God.
Priscilla and Aquila heard him talking to a group. Now they were well-versed, you might call them experts on the Good News, because they had spent a lot of time with Paul, gleaning knowledge from him.
So, they took Apollos aside and shared "the rest of the story" with him. They were not putting him down in any way. They only wanted him to succeed. He took this criticism well and made the most of it in his efforts to serve the Lord.
He made his way to Achaia. His brothers and sisters (believers) in Antioch wrote letters to the people of Achaia, asking them to welcome him. He proved to be a great benefit to the believers there, refuting the Jews with powerful arguments. And using Scriptures, he explained to them that Jesus was the Messiah, which was something he had learned from Aquila and Priscilla.
At the same time, Paul was traveling and explaining the Holy Spirit and true baptism to many who believed. They were baptized and immediately received the Holy Spirit when Paul put his hands on them.
God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles, such as placing cloths on sick people that had barely touched his skin. These people were healed of sickness and evil spirits were cast out of them.
What we see going on here is teamwork. Men traveling to different areas to share the Good News and strengthen those who already believed. They were doing the same job in different locations, making a huge impact on the Kingdom.
This was only possible because Paul (remember he used to be that wicked Saul) and Apollos had BOTH been humble and gracious enough to not only received constructive criticism, but to put it to good use to fulfill their calling.
What about us? When we receive constructive criticism, do we see it as constructive? Or do we feel like someone is trying to negate us, or harm us in some way. Do we accept that criticism with humility and grace, or with jealousy and resentment?
Remember, God can only use our hearts for service when they are humble and willing... willing to do his work, willing to live up to our calling, willing to sacrifice, and willing to accept constructive criticism...even when we think we're "all that and a bag of chips!"