The longer I'm in ministry, the more aware I have become of critics. Critics in church, outside of church, in business, in politics, in life, online, in person, etc etc. People who have ideas on how to do "ministry" or life better, so they think. Things that we do that we shouldn't. Things we don't do that we should. Things that may or may not have been said. People having advice that may or may not be productive or necessary. People being offended. People that hate Christians...the list goes on. This occurs in every ministry, business, or area of life. Everywhere you turn, there is a critic.
As I've talked to Pastor's about the criticism they've received or have noticed how they've reacted to criticism, I find a common denominator. It doesn't matter that there are 100 people encouraging you for helping them in their relationship with God. It always seems to be that one person that offers their criticism that discourages you or plants the seed of doubt, anger, or frustration in your soul. It's hard to ignore because that one person can easily rattle your brain. You want to defend yourself or feel like you have a great response for your critic. So you respond, maybe even appropriately. But the fact remains. They are a critic. They always will be a critic, whether they know you personally or not.
Here's the facts. If you are doing any kind of ministry, in the church world or not; if you are doing any kind of good deed for someone else, there is always going to be some kind of criticism. Why you may ask? It's because we live in a fallen world with imperfect people. Satan hates what you are doing. My dad use to always say, "If you don't have any opposition in any form, you probably aren't doing Kingdom work." That is because we have a very real opponent who will do whatever he can to discourage or distract you from doing what God has called you to do. Gene Edwards puts it this way, "There is no kingdom without discord. Even God had his critics in heaven, you know." Wow! We forget that Satan is a constant gnat; a fallen angel. He is your biggest critic and he will work through anyone at any time, even the closest people around you. Remember, we are in a spiritual battle, not a flesh and blood battle. The opposition knows you better than you know yourself. With that in mind, keep plowing fields. Keep focusing on Jesus. Keep praising God because the critics never stop!
good article. i also think that those in ministry need to be humble (especially considering the scores of prominent pastors that have fallen into false doctrine and severe moral failure) and consider that they can't just label everyone who opposes them in some fashion a "critic". it may be that they need to be confronted. many of the old testament kings made the mistake of assuming the prophets God sent to warn them were just "critics".
ReplyDeletewith that said, the thrust of your article is accurate and a good encouragement to those who are facing false accusations, vendetta's and the like.
Thanks, appreciate the comments. I think humility is the most important characteristic when talking about leadership positions. I do believe false doctrine and moral failure are issues that need to be addressed, but I believe our response to them is more important. There are far too many people who hide behind blogs, etc and bash people they do not know. It is biblical to confront...privately. Accountability needs to exist, but if the person offering the accountability is not in a position to offer it, worse things can happen (even false repentance). Repentance means to turn from. If people do not turn from sin to Christ, repentance doesn't mean anything. There are just far too many critics that seem to know exactly how to do things. I think Jesus called them Pharisees.
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