Critical Thinking

I am typing these words not long after sending a text to somebody who “got slammed” by some people because of a Facebook post. To be fair, some people were complementary of what was posted, but some were not. Some were even, in my opinion, very unkind.

The response I received to my text indicated the motive behind the original post. In part, the text read:   

I was trying to invoke critical thinking.

I’m not really sure where my response to that text came from. It just kind of popped into my mind. For what it’s worth, here it is:

Some should do a lot more thinking before – or instead of – being critical.

I understand that, in some ways, we were talking about two different things. The person with whom I was texting was talking about (according to one definition of the term “critical thinking”) “the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.” 

When I sent my response I was thinking about something else. I was thinking about how we often use words like “critic” and “critical” in a negative way.  

As I thought about my response, it didn’t take long for me to realize that the biggest problem I have with that response is the guy who sent it. As soon as I sent that text, I started thinking about how often I’ve been guilty of being critical in a negative way without doing much thinking.

How about you?  

Is your “default setting” negative criticism? Are you – am I – known for being judgmental, unkind, and maybe even mean?   

Hopefully, that is not true. Hopefully, those of us who claim to be Christians are better known for being understanding, patient, and considerate.

May I suggest something that all of us would be wise to think about? I believe that this suggestion would go a long way in making sure that our “default settings” would please the Lord.  

Actually what I have in mind is not a suggestion. What I have in mind is, in fact, a specific instruction for those who follow Christ:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Phil. 4:8)

How much different would the “Facebook world” and the “real world” be if all of us lived up to those words?

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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn