Coach vs. Critic

I have always loved watching the TV show called AMERICAN IDOL. I just saw a commercial advertising that the new season will start soon. When American Idol first started, Simon Cowell was one of the judges. When he didn't like a performance, he was very critical. Many times, his comments were arrogant, hateful, and hurtful. He was usually "right," in that if he said the contestant couldn't sing, most would agree. However, it was the WAY he said what he said that made it very offensive to me and to other viewers. I was glad when Simon left the show, but others have joined the show who have also said hurtful things to those who auditioned and performed. I always felt so sorry for them wondering have adversely those comments hurt them and affected their future. In between AMERICAN IDOL seasons, I have enjoyed watching THE VOICE. During a recent show, after a "judge" gave positive feedback to a singer, that person commented to his "judge" that he always said positive things. The "judge" replied: "My place is not to criticize you because I am not your judge. I am your coach, and I am here to teach and encourage you." After hearing that statement, I started thinking about the spiritual significance of those words. As Christians, we are not called to criticize others; we are called to teach and encourage them. That would apply to a variety of relationships: parent to child, spouse to spouse, employer to employee, etc. What would you rather be known as: a COACH or CRITIC? I think most of us would say COACH. Well, here's something to ponder: if we were on trial and the only evidence that was presented was our words and behaviors, would we be found guilty or innocent of being a COACH? Only if our actions are in line with God's will for our lives, would we be able to be found "guilty" of being a couch. Lord, cleanse my heart and mind, and help me to be a good teacher and encourager, uplifting your children, my brothers and sisters. ~Posted by Kay Dillard