(From a sermon I first preached at Bethel Baptist Church, Eastman, Georgia, on June 28, 1992)
Someone once said, “Wherever there are two Baptists, there are usually three opinions.” In any human organization, because of the presence of fallen humanity, there is usually some form of criticism about the way others are doing something. There is a wealth of talk prevalent in every church, and it seems that some of it revolves around how badly things are going in some aspect of church life. Some complain about the attendance, while others grumble about the worship style. Some people have a problem with the preaching, and others are never satisfied with the extent of pastoral ministry. I chuckle at one line in the old song “Excuses” when a woman is upset that the preacher “didn’t even shake my hand.”
I’ve discovered that criticism can be divided into two categories: useful and venomous. While constructive criticism is sometimes very valid and can be used to shape a more effective ministry, there are times when criticism is not only unjust, it is downright destructive. I have to be careful that I’m not being critical of the fact that there is unjust criticism, so here are a few points from the apostle Paul’s ministry that can benefit us when we are on the receiving end of criticism. I pray these points will be useful to you whenever you face cricitism.
4. Understand that unjust criticism comes from pride and jealousy (vs. 6).
In verse 6, Paul called it being “arrogant in behalf of one against the other.” Do you realize that unjust criticism is often the overflow of a discontented heart. Because of pride’s devastating effect on the host, it is often fed by attacks on others; but it costs the host in the end. Lucifer’s pride cost him the choir and got him eternity in hell. Cain’s pride cost him his brother and got him the label “first murderer.” The Pharisees’ pride cost them their relationship with the long-awaited Messiah. When we recognize the source of the criticism, it is often easier to handle. We can even pity or sympathize with the hurting critic.
Someone once said, “Wherever there are two Baptists, there are usually three opinions.” In any human organization, because of the presence of fallen humanity, there is usually some form of criticism about the way others are doing something. There is a wealth of talk prevalent in every church, and it seems that some of it revolves around how badly things are going in some aspect of church life. Some complain about the attendance, while others grumble about the worship style. Some people have a problem with the preaching, and others are never satisfied with the extent of pastoral ministry. I chuckle at one line in the old song “Excuses” when a woman is upset that the preacher “didn’t even shake my hand.”
I’ve discovered that criticism can be divided into two categories: useful and venomous. While constructive criticism is sometimes very valid and can be used to shape a more effective ministry, there are times when criticism is not only unjust, it is downright destructive. I have to be careful that I’m not being critical of the fact that there is unjust criticism, so here are a few points from the apostle Paul’s ministry that can benefit us when we are on the receiving end of criticism. I pray these points will be useful to you whenever you face cricitism.
1. Recognize that your ultimate critic is not men but the Lord (vs. 1-4).
According to Paul, the Lord will critique your faithfulness at His appointed time (vs. 2). If you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you will not face eternal punishment in hell, but your good works will be critiqued (see Rom. 14:10 and 2 Cor. 5:10). Men will criticize your faithfulness and stewardship sometimes because you’re doing something that they’re not (vs. 3). Joel Barker has a famous quotation: “Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.” I think that’s so true. Matthew 12:2 shows how the Pharisees constantly found fault in Jesus’ disciples. In Mark 3:2, they even watched for a time to accuse Jesus himself. The fact is we all have blind spots that only the Lord can see (vs. 4), so he should be our real critic. Although we have been placed within communities of accountability called the church, ultimately we answer to Jesus above all others.
According to Paul, the Lord will critique your faithfulness at His appointed time (vs. 2). If you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you will not face eternal punishment in hell, but your good works will be critiqued (see Rom. 14:10 and 2 Cor. 5:10). Men will criticize your faithfulness and stewardship sometimes because you’re doing something that they’re not (vs. 3). Joel Barker has a famous quotation: “Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.” I think that’s so true. Matthew 12:2 shows how the Pharisees constantly found fault in Jesus’ disciples. In Mark 3:2, they even watched for a time to accuse Jesus himself. The fact is we all have blind spots that only the Lord can see (vs. 4), so he should be our real critic. Although we have been placed within communities of accountability called the church, ultimately we answer to Jesus above all others.
2. Don’t let criticism sidetrack you from your task of real ministry (vs. 3).
Paul said, “To me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.” Paul’s not saying he’s against self-examination (see 1 Cor. 11:28), but he is saying there is a time and place for it- “before the time” (vs. 5). Isaac Murray illustrates this in his story of how a little dog, harnessed to an old-timey lawn mower, stopped pulling to bark at a passer-by. The boy who was guiding the mower said, “Don’t mind the dog—he is just barking for an excuse to rest. It is easier to bark than to pull this mower.” Sometimes it’s easier to criticize than to keep working. And while there’s nothing wrong in examination/taking a test, it shouldn’t stop your progress in ministry; it should enhance it.
Paul said, “To me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.” Paul’s not saying he’s against self-examination (see 1 Cor. 11:28), but he is saying there is a time and place for it- “before the time” (vs. 5). Isaac Murray illustrates this in his story of how a little dog, harnessed to an old-timey lawn mower, stopped pulling to bark at a passer-by. The boy who was guiding the mower said, “Don’t mind the dog—he is just barking for an excuse to rest. It is easier to bark than to pull this mower.” Sometimes it’s easier to criticize than to keep working. And while there’s nothing wrong in examination/taking a test, it shouldn’t stop your progress in ministry; it should enhance it.
3. Don’t let criticism make you a critic (vs. 5)
As I mentioned above, we have to watch our own words. Do our words come across as critical? Are we being unjustly critical of the critical? We also have to guard our hearts. The Lord will “disclose the motives of men’s hearts,” so far be it from us to guess at why a man is being critical of us. Thomas Fuller once wrote, “Search others for their virtues and thyself for vices.”
I read an excerpt from John Wesley the Methodist, chapter 20, that gives a great example of avoiding being critical:
“John Wesley and one of his preachers were once taking lunch with a gentleman whose daughter had been greatly impressed by Wesley’s preaching. The itinerant, a man of very plain manners and little tact, was conversing with the young lady, who was remarkable for her beauty. He noticed that she wore a number of rings, and taking hold of her hand, he raised it, and called Wesley’s attention to the sparkling gems. “What do you think of this, sir,” said he, “for a Methodist’s hand” The girl turned crimson, and the question was awkward for Wesley, whose aversion to all display of jewelry was so well known. But the aged evangelist showed a tactChesterfieldmight have envied. With a quiet, benevolent smile he looked up, and simply said, “The hand is very beautiful.” The young lady appeared at evening service without her jewels, and became an earnest Christian.”
As I mentioned above, we have to watch our own words. Do our words come across as critical? Are we being unjustly critical of the critical? We also have to guard our hearts. The Lord will “disclose the motives of men’s hearts,” so far be it from us to guess at why a man is being critical of us. Thomas Fuller once wrote, “Search others for their virtues and thyself for vices.”
I read an excerpt from John Wesley the Methodist, chapter 20, that gives a great example of avoiding being critical:
“John Wesley and one of his preachers were once taking lunch with a gentleman whose daughter had been greatly impressed by Wesley’s preaching. The itinerant, a man of very plain manners and little tact, was conversing with the young lady, who was remarkable for her beauty. He noticed that she wore a number of rings, and taking hold of her hand, he raised it, and called Wesley’s attention to the sparkling gems. “What do you think of this, sir,” said he, “for a Methodist’s hand” The girl turned crimson, and the question was awkward for Wesley, whose aversion to all display of jewelry was so well known. But the aged evangelist showed a tactChesterfieldmight have envied. With a quiet, benevolent smile he looked up, and simply said, “The hand is very beautiful.” The young lady appeared at evening service without her jewels, and became an earnest Christian.”
4. Understand that unjust criticism comes from pride and jealousy (vs. 6).
In verse 6, Paul called it being “arrogant in behalf of one against the other.” Do you realize that unjust criticism is often the overflow of a discontented heart. Because of pride’s devastating effect on the host, it is often fed by attacks on others; but it costs the host in the end. Lucifer’s pride cost him the choir and got him eternity in hell. Cain’s pride cost him his brother and got him the label “first murderer.” The Pharisees’ pride cost them their relationship with the long-awaited Messiah. When we recognize the source of the criticism, it is often easier to handle. We can even pity or sympathize with the hurting critic.
5. Make a distinction between unjust criticism and pastoral correction (vs. 14-15, 21).
It is a modern epidemic to pass out criticism without being open to receiving any correction. The bible often talks about having spiritual mentors who can help guide us through areas where we may have blind spots. Who is your spiritual tutor? Spiritual father? Even the bible itself should be our corrector- Hebrews 4:12- sharper than a double-edged blade. A good pastor knows how to “rightly divide the word” or, in more modern terms, show how the eternal truths of the bible apply to a given situation. We should be open to pastoral correction and not merely throw it into the category of pharisaical criticism.
It is a modern epidemic to pass out criticism without being open to receiving any correction. The bible often talks about having spiritual mentors who can help guide us through areas where we may have blind spots. Who is your spiritual tutor? Spiritual father? Even the bible itself should be our corrector- Hebrews 4:12- sharper than a double-edged blade. A good pastor knows how to “rightly divide the word” or, in more modern terms, show how the eternal truths of the bible apply to a given situation. We should be open to pastoral correction and not merely throw it into the category of pharisaical criticism.
6. Unjust criticism reveals spiritual immaturity (vs. 14, 21).
Paul used words like “my beloved children,” “with a rod,” and “spirit of gentleness” to describe not only his relationship with the Corinthian church but to identify the nature of their immaturity. He was basically saying the same thing my mother used to say when we kids were doing something rebellious, “Do you want me to bring my belt?” Actually, it was my Daddy’s belt, and I know he got tired of having to take it off. It may sound harsh, but Paul was simply identifying how childish was the critical spirit among the church. In Galatians 6:1, he said, “you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.” In other words, some folks have disciplined themselves to become more spiritually mature, so they should act like it especially in times of stress.
The next time you face criticism, which may be sooner rather than later, let Paul’s words encourage you to recognize the situation for what it really is and give you the wherewithal to seek your direction from the Lord, His Word, and the spiritual disciplers He has placed in your life. Even in the midst of an abundance of criticism, we can find a peace that surpasses our understanding.
I’ll end with a poem entitled “The Critic” from The Pentecostal Testimony-
Paul used words like “my beloved children,” “with a rod,” and “spirit of gentleness” to describe not only his relationship with the Corinthian church but to identify the nature of their immaturity. He was basically saying the same thing my mother used to say when we kids were doing something rebellious, “Do you want me to bring my belt?” Actually, it was my Daddy’s belt, and I know he got tired of having to take it off. It may sound harsh, but Paul was simply identifying how childish was the critical spirit among the church. In Galatians 6:1, he said, “you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.” In other words, some folks have disciplined themselves to become more spiritually mature, so they should act like it especially in times of stress.
The next time you face criticism, which may be sooner rather than later, let Paul’s words encourage you to recognize the situation for what it really is and give you the wherewithal to seek your direction from the Lord, His Word, and the spiritual disciplers He has placed in your life. Even in the midst of an abundance of criticism, we can find a peace that surpasses our understanding.
I’ll end with a poem entitled “The Critic” from The Pentecostal Testimony-
A little seed lay in the ground,
And soon began to sprout;
“Now which of all the flowers around,”
It mused, “shall I come out?
“The lily’s face is fair and proud
But just a trifle cold;
The rose, I think, is rather loud,
And then, it’s fashion old.
“The violet, it is very well,
But not a flower I’d choose,
Nor yet the Canterbury bell—
I never cared for blues.”
And so it criticized each flower,
This supercilious seed,
Until it woke one summer hour—
And found itself a weed.
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