"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."
*Matthew 5:11 (NIV)
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The above "Blessed" can read "How fortunate!" Do you feel fortunate, or blessed, when you are insulted, criticized, or accused falsely?
Recently, one of my dear friends and defender of mine at a church I served as pastor, where a group assaulted my reputation and right to serve as a pastor, met a woman from the opposing side. This other woman bluntly said, "Daily, I pray for his salvation." The friend pointed a finger at her, and told her I was a man of God. What contrast in perception!
Now, I do not tell the above to defend myself, but to give one case of criticism from personal experience. As a pastor, I am like other pastors - we are adored by some, and loathed by others. With our calling comes possibilities - even, likelihood - of great praise and great criticism.
And, how stark the criticism when someone determines a pastor, one who helps others toward salvation, is in need of salvation. The criticism of this woman fits what is given in Matthew 5.11 - "insult," "persecute," "falsely say ... evil [harm]" - for her words reflect both her statement to my friend and her actions overall toward me - and others who loved and felt Christ serving through me.
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Criticism can be positive, or not. We can accept some criticism is constructive, other criticism is malevolent - and the latter, sadly, can be garbed in a piety that is a cover-up for a feeling of superiority, even a subtle or blatant self-righteousness. Of course, criticism is often a projection of a person having his or her own feelings of inferiority in respect to the person or group he or she criticizes.
Truly strong persons, healthy persons emotionally, do not tend toward being critical of other persons. Persons who feel guilty, indeed, often are critical of others. One example is that many spouses who have been unfaithful in a marriage end up accusing the innocent spouse of being unfaithful. We often project onto other persons what we are or have done and want to cover-up - psychologically, we see our own shadow shrouding the other person or group.
This same is the case of persons who are mean-spirited toward homosexuals: often, persons who have same-gender sexual feelings are outspoken against those who engage in a gay or lesbian lifestyle. A calm, thoughtful, and reasoned objection to a lifestyle contrasts sharply with an irate and militate attack or denouncement.
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The following story is an example of one motive behind unjust criticism. The account is that of Glynnis Whitwer. Here is her account...
When I was a junior in high school, I had a particularly hard teacher. On her first test, I got a C. I was a good student, and went into her classroom after school one day to learn how to do better on the next test. I'll never forget her sarcastically-spoken words [,] "You aren't an A student are you?" Many years later I can think of lots of snappy comebacks, but as a relatively shy 16 year-old, I only remember mumbling something and leaving the room. Her critical comment left no doubt about her purpose - to put me in my place.
Whitwer has learned how to evaluate criticism, realizing even apparently negative criticism can be given with good intent and may reveal change we need to consider. She has, also, learned better how not to let uncalled-for criticism "put her in her place." Likewise, she relates to criticism from her Christian faith.
Our lives are too short, and our callings too great, to be sidetracked by critics. When I have whined at God that I can't take the negative opinions of others any more, He gently reminds me that His Son got lots of criticism. Looking at it that way, when I'm criticized for doing God's will and work, it can be taken as a badge of honor and not a reason to quit.
If you are trying to do good in the name of Christ, you will receive criticism for it - guarantee. Like recently, a pastor had begun to feel very empowered by the Spirit in his small group classes. Yet, later, he was informed of some persons who quit the class having begun the "rumor" that he was teaching like a Baptist: to them, apparently, being animated (some would say Spirit-filled, or inspired) was somehow not fitting for a cleric of their apparently more "refined" denomination.
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For you who serve others in a focus on Christian ministry, wherein you have a strong influence on other persons in spiritual matters, I offer this comment. You are likely more a prospect for the action of unseen spiritual attack on you through the criticism of others, or inward attack through criticism from the spiritual world. David M. Kiely and Christian McKenna reflect this in their book on demon possession and exorcism, when they share the words of a priest:
Old Nick won't waste his time going for the sheep. He'll go for the shepherd instead. By weakening the shepherd he can get at the flock.
*The Dark Sacrament.
Sadly, many leaders and other persons may not see the source of much critical attack. These persons have become "so enlightened" they no longer believe we are in a spiritual warfare with dark forces of evil.
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So, how are we to respond to unjust criticism? I offer a few suggestions on response to unjust criticism, reminding you that we can learn from fair criticism. Unjust criticism is not criticism that challenges us or brings us pain, rather, such criticism is what it means - unjust.
1) Remember, Christ was often criticized by others, including mostly those who claimed to be followers of His Father.
Remember, early in his ministry, people of his hometown, Nazareth, even tried to rid themselves of him by throwing him over a cliff - even forcing himself out of the "church" service where he was preaching to do so.
28 When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. 29 Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, 30 but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way.
*Luke 4.28-30 (NLT)
2) Pray for anyone who criticizes you unjustly.
You may want to have a cleansing time. Go back through your life and pray for anyone who hurt you with false criticism. Pray for each person, or any group who did so. Request the Spirit to free you from any hurt, fear, low self-esteem, or guilt-feelings resultant of such criticism. And, remember these words of Jesus...
43 You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’[Leviticus 19.18] and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies![Some manuscripts add Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you.] Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.
*Matthew 5.43-45 (NLT)
27 But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.
*Luke 6.27-28 (NLT)
3) Do not reply to persons who criticize you unfairly by doing the same directly to them or against them through others.
Recall that you will give account for every hurtful or helpful word you speak.
36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. 37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.
*Matthew 12.36-37 (NLT)
4) Now, for the odd instruction - give thanks for any unfair criticism against you. That is right, give thanks.
18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
*I Thessalonians 5.18 (NLT)
5) Offer the criticism to Christ, and pray that you will remain in and respond in the Spirit of Christ, in Christ-likeness.
6) Stay in "your place" - that is, being a child of God, do not let anyone "put you in your place" through the manipulation of unfair criticism.
Christ is your Lord, no one else is to be Master of you.
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I recommend the following to put into practice this devotion:
1) Find a quiet place. Kneel, if possible, otherwise, sit. Think of one person who has unfairly criticized you. Picture that person. Then, pray for God to bless the person, even visualizing blessing on him or her, in some form. Then, lift your arms with open palms, and eyes toward the heavens. Give thanks for the criticism. Pray for healing from all hurt in you resultant of unjust criticism. Petition the divine Spirit to strengthen you against all unjust criticism and to keep you in your place, being the person and doing the work given you in the Name of Christ. Affirm this prayer in the powerful Name of Jesus Christ.
2) Each day, in the morning, and at night, before going to sleep, pray in the Name of Christ for protection against all seen and unseen evil. Unseen evil forces seek to tear us down through inner self-criticism or the evil words of other persons. The Holy Spirit can fortify you against any such malevolence, as long as you set your heart and mind to he His only and to remain in His Way, not diverting to repay hurt for hurt. If you do this, you align with the evil.
3) Examine yourself, to see if you are being critical unjustly against anyone or any group. If so, confess it.
I had preached for years, without knowing how my style of preaching was often subtly critical, sometimes more than subtly. I had been reared in that kind of preaching. I, without knowing it, was revealing a subtle self-righteousness - other persons of subtle self-righteousness congratulated me for. I had to confess that, and I still have to be aware of how easily I can shift into a slight critical attitude, as one who urges others in the spiritual Way. I have to pray to offer a prophetic word of challenge, but without it arising from any "looking down" on others. The Spirit encourages others, and He does not try to build up others by pushing persons down.
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*The material from Glynnis Whitwer: © 2009 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 Ministries. 616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road. Matthews, NC 28105. www.proverbs31.org . This writer found the article "Critiquing Criticism" at www.Christianity.com - "Encouragement for Today:; devotion for July 22, 2009.
*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in continuing his ministry. For contributions, contact Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com . Brian is in need of more funding to purchase a desk-top computer.
*Brian's book of spiritual love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers or the Cokesbury on-line store, cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox, a United Methodist Pastor, lives in Southwest Florida. He is a vowed member of Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a contemplative life and seeks to inspire others to enjoy a more intimate relationship with Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused, experiential Christianity and renewal of the Church through addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons.
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