Responding to Criticism
In the ministry, being attacked and criticized is nothing
new. Jesus himself experienced it over and over. But in recent years, it
appears we have begun a trend in overlooking the "turn the other cheek" philosophy
our Savior promoted. Recently, I have heard some of the most well-known pastors
and worship leaders attack their enemies. Many of these pastors have even gone
as far as to embarrass the offender via their public platform. Read on:
Recently, one pastor wrote, "…after he had his say, I felt like tearing him an extra hole in his neck. But instead, I simply wrote him off. I took him off my Facebook account, stopped following him on Twitter and removed his number from my cell phone. As far as I’m concerned, he no longer exists."
In another blog post, a pastor, who I happen to admire greatly, said, "mean people suck and if they oppose my ministry, then they oppose me, and I don’t have time for that."
Another TV evangelist recently said, "I surround myself with people who encourage me. I don’t have time to concern myself with the thoughts of those who don’t believe in me."
I understand each of these statements. I get it. I too surround myself with people who are ready to help me, not fight me. No one can inundate their days with negativity and pessimism and still be expected to focus on the things Philippians 4:8 requires us to focus on. But I also have to ask where and when do I apply Matthew 5:38, Matthew 5:43 or Luke 6:27 to these situations? The answer is simple. We’re not to respond based on the circumstances around us. Instead, we are to respond like our Father in heaven would respond; The Message Bible says it this way, “Our father is kind; you be kind” (Luke 6:35.)
So next time someone insults or criticizes you, instead of taking offense and acting out a scene from your favorite mob movie, stop. Realize that this person doesn’t understand something that you embrace. It’s ok that he or she has a difference of opinion. It’s ok for them to be wrong. Don’t allow their ignorance to influence your actions.
WHAT I DO
When someone opposes my ministry or the way I approach something, I simply tell that person, “thank you for your opinion. I’m going to pray about that and talk it over with God. I may not get back to you, but I want you to know that regardless of our differences of opinion, we still have our love of God in common and that’s a bond no amount of disagreement can break.”
This approach may not fit your personality - it doesn’t fit mine either! But it’s not MY personality I’m trying to communicate to the lost and misguided – it’s God’s.
In Christ,
Jimmy
