Criticism and contention

Last week Elder Francis gave an excellent spiritual thought about not criticizing the mission president. Most of the missionaries here, especially those in the office, were here when the old mission president left, and so are inclined to compare the old one, who they loved dearly, to the new one, who they are just getting to know. He does things differently, and they liked how things were.

We have that same tendency in our Wards when we get a new Bishop or a new Gospel Doctrine teacher. My favorite Seminary teacher, Bishop Gustafson, taught that “Criticism of those in authority is the first step to apostasy.”

We need to be careful not to criticize our Priesthood leaders – our mission president, our Bishop, or any Priesthood leader. Not because there is nothing to criticize, because there always is! People even found reasons to criticize Christ, who was perfect! But whenever we criticize our leaders, we are letting Satan into our hearts. Where there is criticism, there is no charity.

But beyond not criticizing our Priesthood leaders, I suggest that we need to try and make every effort to not criticize anyone – the rude driver, the annoying companion or neighbor, the insane employee or boss who demands the impossible, or any other mortal being.

I believe criticism is a form of contention. Criticism brings anger, strife, feelings of discord. We would not criticize someone we really love.  2 Nephi 26:32 has contending listed among other things like MURDER, STEALING, AND WHOREDOMS.

Add to this the scripture, “If ye have done it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto me.” Would we, like the Pharisees, criticize the Lord? When I criticize a really annoying person, am I “doing it unto the Lord?”

If someone criticizes one of my children, it hurts ME to the core. Possibly Heavenly Father feels the same. D&C 88:123-124: See that ye love one another; cease to find fault one with another. I am going to try harder to have a more charitable heart and not criticize others.