Childish Criticism

"To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:

'We played the flute for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
and you did not mourn.'

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon'. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners."' But wisdom is proved right by her actions" (Matthew 11:16-19, NIV).

Jesus knew that some people could not be pleased. They criticized John the Baptist for his reclusivity and Jesus for his friendliness. How petty could they get? Even Jesus became frustrated with their silly criticisms.

Nobody can please everybody.

I could be criticized for a number of legitimate reasons; but if I am criticized for many illegitimate reasons, I may build up an immunity to legitimate criticism. I could stop listening.

Christians should be careful to eliminate childish and petty criticism from our conversations, so that when it is needed, it will not be ignored.