For the glory of God and the encouragement of others I wish to testify
against the evil of faultfinding. Soon after the beginning of my
Christian experience, about twelve years ago, I was severely harassed by
this adversary of my soul. So cunningly were my eyes blinded to my real
condition that I was almost overwhelmed at times through the workings of
this dangerous influence.
At times I would be almost free from it, but very much of the time I
seemed to have a peculiar faculty of finding the mote in the eyes of
others and was never aware of the beam in my own eye. I could see so
much to pick at in some brethren that there was no time left for me to
step aside and occasionally take myself into account and see myself as
others saw me. I thought I could conduct some affairs over which others
had charge, so much better than they were being conducted, that I was
at times uncomfortable because I did not have a chance to show what I
could do. It is needless to say that during the time that I was a prey
to this wicked spirit, I had little, if any, spiritual life; but I tried
to convince myself that I was doing quite well. There was, however, a
blank or a real lack in my Christian life, because I had not learned to
be an ideal Christian in humility before God and meekness towards my
fellow men.
As soon as I passed through enough sad experiences to make me the happy
possessor of a willing spirit, I began to realize that I was learning
the necessary lessons and through these trials and tribulations I began
to have a little understanding of the cause and root of my trouble.
There were three happenings that aided in awakening me to my need. The
first one was a few years ago, when I received from a brother a letter
in which he said, "Brother, you need continuity." That reproof found
its place in my heart, and the first seed was sown toward a harvest of
willingness. Although it brought no immediate results, yet it stayed by
me and was very prominent before me many times.
The second lesson was brought to me through a sermon. The sister who
delivered the sermon related the experience of a brother who had years
of difficulty in regard to finding fault with others, and who finally
concluded that the trouble was more with him than with those he
criticized. I began to see my own case a little clearer, but I did not
fully learn the lesson until sometime later.
My third lesson came in the following manner: A brother in whom I had
some confidence came to my home and asked for a position, which I
secured for him. We admitted him into our home for his comfort as well
as for our pleasure spiritually, as we supposed he would be a help to
us. It was not long, however, until it seemed there was nothing that
escaped his faultfinding. He saw mountains of fault with us and our
children. At last I saw in his case a picture of what I myself had done
during the past, but I had banished from my life all thoughts of ever
again being influenced by such a faultfinding spirit. Never before had
I been able to see the picture of my former condition as I saw it when
fully manifested in the life of this brother.
Although it had been my desire and no doubt his full intention to do
what was right, nevertheless this evil habit, if I may call it such,
had gained such a foothold in my life and in his life as to be a
hindrance to our own spiritual progress and a stumbling-block in the
way of others. This habit of faultfinding by those who are claiming
to be children of God has caused them to wander from the true paths of
righteousness into forbidden paths, and also to turn many others from
the path that leads to everlasting life.
It is with much gratitude to God that I undertake to tell of my
deliverance from that great barrier and hindrance to my spiritual
progress. When I came to the point where I humbled my heart before the
Lord and let him turn the searchlight upon me, the faults in others were
not so great, but mine had seemed to climb mountain high. It was with
a determination and positive decision to turn from such things; and the
Lord, understanding my intentions in regard to those things, took note
of my humility of heart and delivered me, for which I give him all the
praise and glory. May the dear Lord help us all to bear with each other,
and forbear complaining, even though it may at times seem necessary.
I am sure it will bring about a great measure of the grace of God.