Winston Churchill was the great leader of England for many years. During his last year in office, he attended to a large official ceremony. Several seats behind him, somebody whispered, “Hey, that’s Winston Churchill. They say he is getting senile. They say he should quit and leave the running of the country to younger and more capable men.”
Winston Churchill stood up and turned around and said, “Gentlemen, they also say that he is deaf, but he is not.”
Anyone can criticize. That’s easy.
I think back to attending a football game. Sitting right behind me was the loudest, greatest expert on the planet. She questioned every play and every decision, and she was quite loud. I heard it over and over, “Oh come on, coach, what are you doing?” “Oh no, quit running the ball - - pass it.” “Oh no, quit passing the ball - - run it.” “Oh, what’s he doing? What’s he doing?”
I came so close to saying, “Hey, can I ask you a quick question, why aren’t you the coach?” But I didn’t. I just sat there and suffered, and quietly thanked God that I was not married to her.
Anybody can criticize. That is so easy. Many years ago, a young composer gave a concert. Several people harshly criticized him. His feelings were hurt.
A famous composer from Finland, Jean Sibelius, pulled him aside. He patted him on the shoulder and said, “Son, don’t forget. There is no city in the world that has a statue for a critic.” Good words. True words. Anybody can criticize. That takes no talent.
May God help us today to be positive people, encouraging those around us.