Author Archives: Andrew Schank

I am not sure what exactly it is in a leader which makes them somewhat hostile when criticisms arise. Many times a spiritual leader will tend to respond to criticism in a sinful way. It might not be very noticeable at first, but the root of retribution could be just beneath the surface.

We are all human, but we can do our dead level best to respond to criticism in the right manner. Responding to criticism is crucial to Christian maturity. For many of God’s children, being criticized is what unravels us. Satan knows this and will seek to exploit it any time he gets a chance. Be on guard 24/7, especially if you are a pastor or spiritual leader.

Look For Our Next Post In This Series: What Goes Around, Comes Around  

Whatever Happened to Worship?

By A.W. Tozer / Wingspread Publishers

Decrying much of contemporary worship as entertainment, Tozer says, “When we are worshipping…if the love of God is in us and the Spirit of God is breathing praise within us, all the musical instruments in heaven are suddenly playing in full support.” Originally preached as sermons at Avenue Road Alliance Church in Toronto, the chapters of Whatever Happened to Worshipconvey Tozer’s attitude and thoughts on Christian worship.

Criticism is not something that we naturally enjoy. No matter who is sharing their thoughts with us, we all tense up and hope that what is said won’t be too scathing. How soon we forget that all criticism is not harmful! I guess that since most is considered to be bad, then we tend to generalize all as being so. This post will seek to help us see that criticism is a gift from God!

When holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions come around, we seek out an appropriate gift for the person(s). After we contemplate what to give, we acquire the present and go to the person with it. I do not think God is much different from us. Although He doesn’t need a lot of time because He works outside the concept of it, He does reveal many gifts to us each day.

The gift of physical life is especially precious to all of us who know the Lord as our Saviour. The wonderful gift of everlasting life is our greatest gift from God. The list goes on and on. However, the gift of criticism is not even on our list. Why is that? Maybe it is because we view it as an enemy?

(James 1:17) “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”  (KJV)

God’s gifts are perfect and complete! Though they may smart at times, they are our friends. God gave all of us faith and repentance when we were initially saved. I, for one, know that repentance hurt some, but was one of the best gifts I ever received from my Lord!

Listed below are four very important principles that we need to remember when God gives us the “gift” of criticism.

#1 – God Has Allowed This To Come Into Our Life

Rather than immediately jumping into defensive mode, we should recognize that God has allowed this person(s) to confront us. It may be to sharpen us as a better tool, or it may be to test our character in the face of cruelty. Either way, we must see this as God’s will. Remember that even when someone is ranting in the flesh and being used by Satan that we can learn something from it. Ask yourself the question, “God, what are you trying to teach me?” (Often easier said than done!)

#2 – God Has Decided To Trust Us With This Gift

Think about this… God thought enough of you that He can trust you with this gift of circumstance! WOW! How honored and privileged we are to have this occur in our lives. As hard as it may be to see this side of criticism, we must keep this sort of attitude. When doing so, even our enemies, according to the flesh, will be enamored by our character and integrity!

#3 – God Has A Plan For This Gift In Our Life

If God has allowed criticism to enter our life, and He thought enough of us that He can trust us with it, then we can be assured that He has a wonderful plan for it in our lives! God works everything together for our good and His glory. Even criticism can be used to help us, whether we think of it this way or not!

(Romans 8:28) “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”  (KJV)

#4 – God Will Hold Us Accountable As To How We Use This Gift

Just like every other gift He gives us in life, we will be held accountable for how we respond to the gift of criticism. Enough said!

Conclusion…

It is my hope that this post helped you recognize that criticism is a wonderful gift from God. When we see it’s greatness, the sting of momentary harshness will be better enjoined. Pastor, no matter how hard it may be, criticism is a gift that God wants you to have. Medicine may be swallowed while you hold your nose, but it helped you despite the dicomfort. Criticism may seem like this sometimes!

Related articles

• Pastors Need To PREACH! (theworkingpastor.com)
• Questions For Pastors When Being Forced Out (ifbkjv.com)
• How to Steward Your Trial with Grace (ministry127.com)

As we have mentioned in previous posts, no person likes to be criticized. It makes us feel uncomfortable, and uneasy. As a spiritual leader, and pastor, you know that you are not above criticism, but it still doesn’t ease your pride any. After all, you stick your neck out each time you teach and preach. In fact, you put yourself into a position to be criticized. Even knowing this ahead of time does not take the sting away!

The John Phillips New Testament Commentary, 19 Volumes

By Kregel Publications

Explore the entire New Testament in greater depth. This complete set of New Testament commentaries from the pen of expositor John Phillips will provide pastors, Sunday school teachers, and students of the Bible with doctrinally sound interpretation that emphasizes the practical application of Bible truth. Preachers especially will appreciate these commentaries as they provide a model and resource for sermons and lessons. Working from the familiar King James Version, Dr. Phillips not only provides helpful commentary on the text, but also includes detailed outlines and numerous illustrations and quotations. Anyone wanting to explore the meaning of God’s word in greater detail for personal spiritual growth or as a resource for preaching and teaching will welcome the guidance and insights of this respected series.

A frequent speaker at churches, conferences, and workshops across North America, John Phillips served as assistant director of the Moody Correspondence School as well as director of the Emmaus Correspondence School, one of the world’s largest Bible correspondence ministries. He also taught in the Moody Evening School and on the Moody Broadcasting radio network. He and his wife, Betty, live in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Related articles

• When Is a Young Man Ready to Start a Church? (ministry127.com)
• Do Pastors Still Mourn Over Sin (theworkingpastor.com)
• The Role and Authority of the Pastor in Church Planting (ministry127.com)