Tag: Christian Ministry

Posted on

What Is a Christian to Do About Criticism?

“Everything we do either propels God’s mission forward or hinders the embodiment of His kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven.” – Jeff Christopherson, Vice President of Send Network

Christopherson is right on point. All too often, we fail to see that everything we do impacts the kingdom of heaven on earth.

Since we are the only representatives of that kingdom, every believer must come to the point where we learn to confront ourselves with every word we speak and every action we take–before we say or do them.

The failure of some of us to weigh our actions is a shortcut to behaving like the ungodly whose lives are characterized by contentions and dissensions (see Galatians 5:19—21). In short, there is no room in a Christian’s life for creating strife, friction and discord–especially between and among professing believers.

Recognizing the Danger of a Critical Spirit

Contention usually begins with a critical spirit and exhibits itself as criticism. Whilst conceding that criticism can be constructive or destructive, for the most part, constructive criticism is usually shared privately in the spirit of Galatians 6:1—2 and Matthew 18:15.

It is public criticism that is most destructive. It is also infectious, leveling accusations and condemnations and drawing bystanders into one of Satan’s most subtle schemes in his quest to overthrow the kingdom of heaven.

Jude warns us in his epistle that “certain men have crept in [among believers] unnoticed.” They are of several different kinds: those who have gone the way of Cain, those who have gone the way of Balaam, and those who have gone the way of Korah.

Korah was a critic of Moses. Korah is the poster boy for critics. It is interesting that his story unfolds in Numbers chapter 16, but is so important for us today that Jude wrote a stern warning for the church to beware of being critical.

Criticism assumes that the purveyor knows better than the target of the criticism. That was Korah’s problem. He thought he know how to run the “Wilderness Operation” better than Moses. He really got upset when Moses did not divide a gift of wagons equally among the clans who carried the tabernacle. Korah was of the Kohathites; his clan didn’t get any wagons (see Numbers 7:9).

Read Numbers 4 where the Lord gave Moses specific instructions to follow.

Korah thought Moses was wrong. He complained to his family, to his neighbors and friends, and stirred them to the point of rebellion. As Dr. K.P. Yohannan points out in his booklet “The Beauty of Christ through Brokenness,” “God Himself ripped open the earth and swallowed him up.” In fact, it swallowed up Korah and all who joined in with his critique of Moses, including their wives and children (see Numbers 16:32).

Recognizing Criticism for What It Is

Pastor Ronald Franklin describes all criticism as falling into one of three categories. And he warns us to expect to be criticized. That’s right. We are not going to make it through life without being criticized. So we need to understand the kinds of criticism we may face and understand how to respond in a Christ-like manner that advances the kingdom of heaven.

– Accurate Criticism.

This is valid criticism that may or may not be 100 percent correct. When we know that criticism is substantially correct we should consider it as an opportunity to make needed corrections (see Proverbs 15:31—32.)

– Inaccurate Criticism.

This is criticism that is “essentially incorrect,” but may include a kernel of truth. This type of criticism may allow us an opportunity to teach what the critic does not have correct (see Acts 11:2—4.)

– Malicious Criticism.

This is criticism that is motivated by some personal agenda on the part of the critic. When we’re faced with this type of criticism, it presents an opportunity to minister grace, which advances the kingdom of heaven as Christ intends for us to do (see Matthew 5:44—45.) It is particularly interesting that this is when grace is true ministry on behalf of advancing the kingdom of Heaven.

Social media has opened up a whole new world for criticism–and the world loves it. Even some news media has drifted away from objective reporting to various formats for criticism.

For that reason, Christians must exercise a discerning spirit to not only recognize unwarranted criticism but also to understand the kind of critical spirit from whence those critical comments originate. A discerning spirit can recognize a critical spirit.

Recognizing a Critical Spirit

“”¦true and loving. It comes from a humble, caring heart that wishes the best for the other person. It is not bitter condescending, insulting, or cold-hearted.

“There is a significant difference between helping someone improve and having a critical spirit. A critical spirit is never pleased. A critical spirit expects and finds disappointment wherever it looks. It is the opposite of 1 Corinthians 13: a critical spirit arrogantly judges, is easily provoked, accounts for every wrong, and never carries any hope of being pleased. Such an attitude damages the critiqued as well as the critic.

“Biblical criticism is helpful, loving, and based on truth. Correction is to be gentle. It comes from love, not from a sour personality. Galatians 5:22­—23 says the Spirit wants to produce in us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If criticism cannot be expressed in keeping with the fruit of the Spirit, it’s better left unsaid.”

The right place to stop criticism is at the source. If we are not walking in the Spirit, we will follow the flesh. As we have already seen, the flesh is the headquarters for critical spirits.

Ed Stetzer identifies three types of critical spirits:

– The Constant Critic.

You know who they are. They are always complaining about something, always pointing out things that are “not right.”

– The Low-character Critic.

Stetzer says, “I am stunned to see just how much some ‘Christian’ bloggers, in particular, will lie, play guilt by association, and display a complete lack of character–all while calling out someone for something similar. The blogosphere may be their sandbox, but they can be found just about anywhere on the playground.

– The Opportunistic Critic.

These are people who are always looking for a new issue to expose or debate. Stetzer’s advice? See them for who they are.

None of us is or ever will be exempt from criticism. Not a single individual or institution will go uncriticized by someone at some time. Gospel for Asia (GFA) is nearing its 40th year of ministry. Although we have been and continue to be blessed abundantly, we have also experienced criticism. Some of it has been dispensed with love and kindness. Some other, not so much. Our commitment is to honor the Lord in all we do with a sincere desire to please Him.

Let us consider our need for brokenness so we do not become critical spirits nor respond inappropriately to them. Let us remember we are accountable to the righteous scrutiny of a holy God. Let us live our lives in that light and help others to do so as well.

May God help us to not have a critical spirit. May He grant us the wisdom to recognize the different types of critics and criticism for who and what they are. Even more so, may He direct our paths is such a way that we respond in a way that advances the kingdom of heaven.

– ~ – ~ –  ~ –  ~ –

Sources:

Image Source:

Go here to know more about Gospel for Asia: GFA | GFA.org 

Posted on

6 Reasons Why Humility Is Necessary in the Lord’s Work

Make no mistake about it, there is no greater joy than working in the Lord’s service. Nor is there a calling in which we will receive more criticism, resistance and opposition–even more so than being an appointee to the United States Supreme Court!

1. To set aside our personal desires requires humility.

Romans chapter 12 begins with the Apostle Paul urging believers to present ourselves as living sacrifices acceptable to God.

2. To set aside the world system’s potential path to success requires humility.

Paul follows his plea with another one to not be conformed to this world system. The world system is all about how to become successful, and then how to become even more successful. It is a system built upon networking, self-marketing and public recognition. It is a system based on self and pride.

3. It takes humility to see ourselves as we are and to realize that we are no better than anyone else aside from grace.

In verse 3, Paul admonishes us to not think of ourselves more highly than we ought to. In other words, we must remember that our redemption is only by God’s grace. Believers must function together, understanding that we carry the message of God’s grace to those who have not heard it, to those who stand in need of it, just as we did and as we continue to do. 

Our work is doomed to failure unless and until we approach it with the humble spirit of a servant who is willing to deny oneself before taking up our cross to follow Christ.

But then, we have only just begun. To live a life honoring to Christ, we must continue to deny ourselves daily, or, as Paul told the Corinthians, it is necessary to do so daily (see 1 Corinthians 15:31). Humility is necessary to commence the journey, but it is also necessary to continue the journey.

4. Humility is necessary because we will face criticism.

It’s not that we might face criticism. We will face criticism. It is part of our fallen nature to criticize the work of others. Jesus was certainly not immune from criticism. The Gospels are replete with accounts of the scribes, the Pharisees and the Sadducees criticizing nearly everything the Son of God did or said.

They had to be as annoying as gnats. Yet Jesus, who had “made Himself of no reputation . . . and humbled Himself,” (see Philippians 2:7—8), always received the criticism humbly. If He responded, He did so with love and compassion for men who were wrapped in self-righteousness and pride while claiming to represent Jehovah.

The rise of technology and especially social media has opened Christian ministries to seemingly relentless criticism. No ministry is exempt. Social media and the blogosphere have opened a space in which criticism thrives. It doesn’t take very long to examine the internet to find that everyone from Franklin Graham to Francis Chan and every ministry from Gospel for Asia to World Vision is being publicly vilified by someone who is either outwardly opposed to the Gospel or a techno-scribe equipped with cyber tools first-century scribes never dreamed would exist.

5. Humility is necessary because we will face resistance.

Resistance is a more active form of criticism. Resistance is criticism in action. Have you noticed that the Lord’s work requires persistence? The pushback, especially in this age of social media, requires a relentless focus on keeping our hand on the plow.

Having left our agrarian past behind, we forget that the ground must be readied for the seeds to be sown effectively. In a perfect world (I wonder what Eden was like), the soil would open up just enough to accept the seed. But in our fallen world, the ground resists the plow.

The same principle applies in the spiritual realm. Every part of this world resists the sowing of the Word. To enter into ministry and the service of the Lord, we must understand that this world is no friend to grace. Nor will it ever be.

6. Humility is necessary because we will face opposition.

If resistance is pushback, then opposition is attack mode.

There are places around the world today where simply being a Christian means being exposed to potential physical abuse. Congregations watch as their churches and meeting places are destroyed. Individual believers are victims of beatings, rapes, torture and murder.

Living and working for the Lord in these areas of opposition requires a humility that means accepting the sacrifice of one’s own life as a possibility. But this faith, a faith that considers the existential consequences, is a faith that enables and endures even in lions’ dens and fiery furnaces.

Serving the Lord has always required a humility that willingly sacrifices self as our reasonable service for the One who humbled and sacrificed Himself to save us from the penalty of our sins to bring us into the marvelous riches of His grace.

Do you have the heart to serve Jesus Christ? Are you willing to stand for Him in the face of criticism, resistance and opposition? Perhaps you would consider learning more about us and learning how the Lord can use you through the work of GFA.

Image Source: Gospel for Asia, Photo of the Day

Posted on

Study: Adults Say Coffee, Sweets and Social Media Are More Essential To Their Day Than the Bible

61% of adults identified as 'Bible Centered' chose the Bible over the other three choices, Bible Engaged adults came in at 43%, with the Bible Friendly adults coming in last at 21%.

The American Bible Society is a Christian Ministry that seeks to engage people with GOD’S Word and has been doing so for as far back as 1816. Every year they take it upon themselves to conduct a research that reveals Bible behavior, perception and engagement among American adults. In March this year, they released results that included statistics based on how necessary the Bible was in the daily lives of those that they interviewed, and the findings were not encouraging.

The participants were given four choices (the Bible, coffee, something sweet and social media) and were asked to choose which one they felt was a daily necessity. A whopping 37% of participants chose coffee as their daily necessity, followed by 28% for the something sweet crowd,   19 % choose social media, and trailing behind at 16% were those who felt that the Bible was the most important aspect of their day.

The study showed that those who were most likely to choose the Bible were households with children under the age of 18, college graduates, married adults and residents of the South.

61% of adults identified as ‘Bible Centered’ choose the Bible over the other three choices, Bible Engaged adults came in at 43%, with the Bible Friendly adults coming in last at 21%.

Now, I’ve got to wonder about the other 39% of the Bible Centred adults. It seems that coffee, followed by social media and lastly something sweet was more important to them than starting their day with GOD. Which begs the question: do they not understand that it is how you start the day that sets the tone for the rest of the day? Coffee is not going to give you comfort when a problem crops up, social media is not going to do a good job of guiding you throughout your day, and something sweet is not going to satisfy your spiritual needs. Only GOD can do all of these things and more, but if we do not take the time to spend the start of our day with Him, we are cheating ourselves and replacing Him with choices that do not give life. Sure, coffee is a delicious beverage that has the ability to jolt you out of drowsiness, social media can have some inspiring words (especially if you follow sites such as Godinterest:)), and something sweet (who doesn’t enjoy a croissant with jam and butter?) is a momentarily satisfying taste sensation. However, if you put GOD first, and then followed with the rest of these choices, your day will be even better – I guarantee you that!

61% of adults identified as 'Bible Centered' chose the Bible over the other three choices, Bible Engaged adults came in at 43%, with the Bible Friendly adults coming in last at 21%.

If you were honest with yourself, what would you have chosen? Are you God-centered? I believe that we ought to all examine ourselves and identify our level of obedience to GOD because let me tell you, our GOD is an all-or-nothing type of ‘Person’, you’re either with Him all the way, or you’re against Him – there is no grey area. Don’t let the comforts of this world distract you from your walk with GOD – you were bought at a high price, do not think that you own yourselves? With all the love in my heart for my fellow Believers, do not make the mistake of choosing the world over GOD, it only leads to death.

 

As seen on