Have you ever feared doing something you know you should do because you where worried about the criticism? If so, be encouraged. Throughout Scripture, men and women alike who were called to act for God experienced criticism. When Moses led the children of Israel through the desert, he cried out to God because those who followed him blamed and criticized him (see Exodus 17:4). Paul was labeled as overzealous, unimpressive in person and insincere (see 2 Corinthians 10:10). Every one of the disciples was criticized at some point, and were criticized to the moment of their deaths. Remember this: If we insist on being comfortable by avoiding the criticism of others, we won’t fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.
In his book The Believer’s Armor, John MacArthur writes, “You have all the resources, power and principles to live the Christian life. . . Even though power is available to follow godly principles, the enemy wants to withstand any good thing that God sets out to do. He will attempt to thwart God’s divine purpose for your life.” The enemy of our soul likes to stop God’s children from fulfilling God’s purpose for their lives through the fear of criticism. But God wants to give you the courage to say no to the fear of criticism and yes to Him.
Jesus is well acquainted with the battle we face with criticism. Can you imagine what His life would have been like if He had feared criticism and been self-protective? After being mocked by political groups, old and young men, and spiteful Pharisees, He would have determined who He would associate with and what He would say in His final hours on earth. And, rather than keeping His mouth shut when He was falsely accused, He would have defended Himself. When His enemies spit in His face, He would have retaliated. When they called Him names, He would have called down a legion of angels. When they marched Him to Golgotha, He would have run. And rather than laying down His life to give His all to those He loved, the redemption of the human race would have been lost in His misguided passion of self-protection and the fear of criticism.
If we allow the fear of criticism to rule us, we can miss out on being a gift to others because God’s plans for us aren’t just about us. They are about people God wants to influence and help through us. So, if we struggle with the fear of criticism and what others think, ask God to give you the courage to move forward in the face of criticism. And remember, you are living your life for the approval of just One.
Our prayer: Father God through the power of your Spirit continually assure us of who we are in you that we might serve, and live with confidence. When criticism comes our way let us be reminded of how you handled it, and walk in the uniqueness of who you have called and ordained us to be as your children Amen.
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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
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