How do you handle criticism? I'm not talking about constructive criticism. I'm talking about the people who find something wrong with everything you do and are happy to tell everyone else about what they think. When that happens, does it cause you to feel angry, stressed, anxious? If we handle criticism wrongly, it can make us bitter and hard. It can infect your spirit and make you deaf to the voice of God. Just keep this in mind: If God has given you something to say or something to do, ignore the critics in your life. Chances are, when you’re doing what God has given you to do, you’re going to receive criticism and attacks. And at times it will be hurtful and sting you to the bone. But if you don’t say and do what God is leading you to do, you’ll be in worse shape. As a pastor I sometimes struggle with this one. Inevitably someone is going to dislike the things I say. While other people will like the things I say. I have to resist the temptation to preach for approval or compliments and ignore the criticism. And I’ve found that when I am following the Lord’s leading, all the criticism in the world really doesn’t matter much. Another thing I’ve learned is that the people who get offended at the truth are those that are not following the truth. If I’m not offending people sometimes, I have to evaluate my motives and ask: “Am I preaching to please people or to please God?” What about you? Are you living to please people or to please God? Don’t allow the critics to occupy a position in your life that’s higher than God. Don’t give their stinging remarks more validity that the still, small voice that prompts your heart.
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