28 Day Challenge
The promise to abstain from criticism and complaining


Dale Carnegie wrote: "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain; and most fools do." Christians cringe when they hear or read a statement like this because Jesus said we are to not call anyone fool. Actually, the Aramaic word was "Raca", and we are not absolutely sure what that means.

But, if Christians were as serious about not criticizing, complaining and condemning as they are about not calling anyone fool, we wouldn't have the pandemic problem of gossip and backbiting in Christianity.

So, the CHALLENGE is this: abstain [give up, desist, refrain, go without] from criticizing and complaining for 28 days! If you find yourself complaining or criticizing, the 28 days start again.

I've written this before, but it needs to be said again: It takes 30 days to replace a habit. In this case, we believe 28 days of going without complaining and criticizing will establish the habit. So, the point of taking this challenge is to get our minds into a positive perspective. Ready for some help in taking on the challenge?

Okay. There are four steps that will help you to fulfill the challenge.

  • Stop before you speak.
  • Ask yourself:
    • Is this uplifting?
    • Is it encouraging?
    • Is it positive?
  • Focus and Choose: Choose your words
  • Then, speak, with enthusiasm

Enthusiasm comes from two Greek words: en (within); theos (God). Therefore, enthusiasm means God within!

Since God is not condemning, complaining and criticizing you, then when we ourselves do these things, we know it is not God within speaking!

But, your Creator is within you enabling you to speak words that build up instead of tear down; words that encourage rather than discourage; words that admire rather than disparage; words that compliment rather than destroy.

If you want to attract people and success, you must speak in ways that are attractive. Do I need to say this? This challenge is about helping you fulfill that desire: to attract people and success.

Please use the Contact form to let me know if you are taking the 28 Day Challenge, and how you do with it.





















Disciples of Jesus can weather the storms of life by trusting in the Lord and not quitting. Discipleship means following Jesus and trusting Him. His disciples can be steadfast in spite of how bad life gets.

Overcoming resentment - overcoming fear - overcoming worry - overcoming anxiety - overcoming negative thinking





© 2007 Dan Jenkins