CRITICISM
I sometimes tell leaders who are under fire, “Well you got that WOE off your back.” They wonder what I mean. So, I say, “You ought to feel good. Jesus said in Luke 6:26, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you.” They usually chuckle with me as we remember leadership is not a popularity contest. The task is to be true, not popular.
We live in a culture where people have an inordinate desire to be liked. Applause is addictive. People-pleasing often trumps standing up for what is right.
Today, anyone who takes an unpopular stand for truth will receive a backlash, criticism and will have their motives questioned. Instead of seeking to understand, many will assume the worst. This goes with the territory of leadership. The tallest trees always get the most wind. Wherever there is light, there will be bugs.
Certainly, we all need to stay humble and teachable. There is often at least a kernel of truth hidden in the criticism. As one person put it, “If one person calls you a horse’s rear, forget it. If two people call you a horse’s rear, look in the mirror. If three people call you a horse’s rear, buy a saddle.”
However, criticism is often unfair and a tactic to deter one from accomplishing their calling. “No one ever erected a statue to a critic.” We need to develop thicker skin. D.L. Moody got a letter from a heckler. Scrawled in large print was one word, “FOOL.” Never at a loss for words the evangelist said, “This is most unusual. I have received many angry letters where the person writes the letter and does not sign their name. This is the first time the person signed their name and forgot to write the note.” Touché!
You cannot please everyone. Jesus did not and you and I will not either. If you please God, it does not matter whom you displease. If you displease God, it does not matter whom you please.
Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures. Michael lives with his wonderful wife Donna and resides in Mandeville, LA. His motto is “Bet the Farm on God.” You can find more information about Michael here.
Correct Doc, Criticism is the worst thing that you can get into your thoughts.It never did any good & never will do any good. Criticism is fault-finding. It shuts you out of heaven. It will darken all your skies.
However, constructive criticism is Godly and healing. Matthew 10:34-39 (NIV) says ;
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn
“‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’[a]
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it
What I mean to say Doc, is that criticism is a sword. if a son discovers Jesus and God’s law before his father , He will turn against him. he will always dispute and criticize him.
Your Friend – His servant
Ev. Isaac Otieno