The answer of a clean conscience

"Criticism is birthed from jealousy. Ignore it. Move forward." - Robert Martin


There are many many people who agree with this statement. They see those, who criticize and point out shortcomings, as enemies of their cause and detrimental to their overall attitude. The critic can't be right. To "judge" another is taboo and considered borderline heresy. But unless we are working within the Roman Catholic dogma of church authority, we should consider whether this is truly a good response to the critic or skeptic. If we are infallible and immune to mistakes, then there is no place for inspection. But if the Word of God is still the barometer of our lives, then quality control of our character and ministry should be welcomed.


Jesus tells us to love our enemies. To bless them that persecute and spitefully use you. I believe He is trying to show us that every time someone examines you and wants to disrepute your name, it gives you an opportunity to respond with Grace.

Jesus didn't ignore the criticisms of men, He answered them with the Truth! If your critics are wrong, prove it. If they are right, admit it!


When Jesus was accused of being a drunkard, He didn't ignore it, He answered it. When Jesus was accused of being a devil, He didn't ignore it, He answered it! When He was accused of claiming to be the Son of God, He didn't deny it, He affirmed it. But He welcomed it, as well. Paul says in Philippians 1 that he rejoices whether Christ is preached in pretense or in truth. Because criticism, even if it is misguided, provides an opportunity for us to arise and shine. If someone wants to crucify you, then see it as a great way for the power of His resurrection to be shown!

The worst things we can do, in my opinion, is to ignore the criticisms of others. If they are seeing a flaw, then that is helpful if we are trying to be molded in His image. If they are seeing something that isn't there, they are persecuting you for righteousness and Jesus calls you blessed. Either way, you win!

A humble heart is the only way to accomplish this. Pride rejects the skepticism of others. A servant contemplates whether it is right or not and responds with either contrite repentance and acknowledgment of the failing, or the Grace of God shining forth to show His Glory. So the next time you hear that someone has criticized you, don't ignore it. Be accountable for who God called you to be and respond in the manner which befits a Servant of the Most High!

Randomness

• In light of my previous posts, I think holiness should first be about humility. What do you call it when the character of Christ is absent: dead religion.
• Why do so many consider church attendance to be the main factor in successful ministry? Mormons, JW's and Muslims all grow huge congregations. It takes more sincerity to be willing to stay small in order to stay authentic.
• I'm not saying we should be content with small, just don't think that the bigger the group that attends your church, the bigger God's blessings.
• To whom much is given, much is required......so if you've got a lot of money, you are accountable for how you spend it. And doubly so if you are a pastor. 
• The real measure of a man's character is not adversity, but success. Can you handle it without becoming arrogant?
• My highest aim is to be like Jesus. He was rejected by the masses, why should I think myself different?
• Loneliness is a calling from God. Embrace it and you will embrace Him.
• Why do these two things seem mutually exclusive: Ministerial integrity and promotion within an organization. The higher you go, the less you seem to remember who you are.
• I want to grow a church the right way. That means I will probably have to do it slowly. Deep relationships aren't built overnight.
• When i think about our church, I want to ask myself "Could I be won by this church if I weren't already in church?"
• I don't ever want my congregation to think "What a man of God we serve!", I want them to think, "That man knows Jesus, I can too!"