Facing Criticism

It’s a fact that unfounded criticism can consume our lives if we allow it to do so. If you make decisions that affect other people, or boldly take a stand for a certain principle, just get ready, for it is guaranteed to bring criticism. Leadership of a family, business, or organization, is not for the faint of heart.  Whether you are a CEO, Manager, Pastor, Doctor, NFL Coach, or Quarterback, you will be criticized. There will always be critics who speak their minds and give opinions unreservedly for actions and decisions that are made.

Focus Scripture: 

“When they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God.” 1 Peter 2:12

Abraham Lincoln was quoted as saying “If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how, and the very best I can, and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what’s said against me won’t amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.” Yet, despite heavy criticism against him what did he accomplish? He reunited a fractured nation, won the Civil War, and abolished slavery. He had many vocal enemies and critics but he valiantly overcame them all.

Honestly, there is a certain danger we all face in unfounded criticism. The question is how will you respond this week? Why not put God on full display and exhibit daily the fruits of the spirit (Galations 5:22,23). The reality is that when we do that, it will lead us to this incredible fact – we will not need to answer our critics with words as our living testimony will say all that is necessary. Let us choose to resist the emotional paralysis that can come from criticism and allow God to help us to be undeterred and strong in our response to our naysayers – by living the life and example of a committed Christian.

Pastor Daron Hudspeth

The Life Church