A note arrived via email from an acquaintance wanting to know why I persisted in ministry in spite of the many “good” people who were always pointing out my flaws. He furthered assured me that these critics had “done their homework.” My first reaction was simple, to the point and biblically on target: I, too, have done my homework and did as the scripture commands, lay the flaws (even sins) down at the cross of Christ. Furthermore, trusting in the sure promise of God, that these real and even supposed flaws that show up when a person does his or her “homework,” are now via the blood of Christ invisible, because they no longer exist in the realm of heaven, I continue. Simple, isn’t it?
As to criticism, right or wrong, I have found wisdom and a certain comfort in a statement made several years ago by a basketball great:
“If you care about how you're perceived by others, including the public, it's good to remember the following: Criticism—both deserved and undeserved—is part of the territory when you're the one calling the shots. Ignore the undeserved; learn from the deserved; lick your wounds and move on.” Bill Walsh.
While admitting history has cleaned him up quite a bit, I still like and use some of his statements as they ring true, coming from a man amidst of the brutal conflict of the American Civil War. Abraham Lincoln stated with his usual eloquence:
“If I care to listen to every criticism, let alone act on them, then this shop may as well be closed for all other businesses. I have learned to do my best, and if the end result is good then I do not care for any criticism, but if the end result is not good, then even the praise of ten angels would not make the difference.”
Yes, you’re right! I do use such statements as one means of assuaging the sting of criticism, and how can you fault anyone who takes reasonable measures to bring about internal healing, healing needed to alleviate the pain of knives in the back? Putting the knife in another’s back in retribution would accomplish nothing in the long run and I have learned the sweetest revenge is to succeed by moving ahead.
The truth is tongue or pen fire only makes you stronger if you have God’s Word and the Holy Spirit in your heart! Jesus demonstrated this truth over and again in the short ministry period. His overarching truth is simple; even if you heal a man born blind, it will only intensify the vitriol of those who hate you. So keep on healing the blind or whatever “God” thing you are called to be doing.
These lines are written today, to you, in the hope that as you attempt to please God, you will know you will automatically displease someone. Be kind, but keep your face set as a flint toward what God has assigned to you!
Copyright © 2016 Larry Lilly
Great IT work makes a difference Oral Deckard
As to criticism, right or wrong, I have found wisdom and a certain comfort in a statement made several years ago by a basketball great:
“If you care about how you're perceived by others, including the public, it's good to remember the following: Criticism—both deserved and undeserved—is part of the territory when you're the one calling the shots. Ignore the undeserved; learn from the deserved; lick your wounds and move on.” Bill Walsh.
While admitting history has cleaned him up quite a bit, I still like and use some of his statements as they ring true, coming from a man amidst of the brutal conflict of the American Civil War. Abraham Lincoln stated with his usual eloquence:
“If I care to listen to every criticism, let alone act on them, then this shop may as well be closed for all other businesses. I have learned to do my best, and if the end result is good then I do not care for any criticism, but if the end result is not good, then even the praise of ten angels would not make the difference.”
Yes, you’re right! I do use such statements as one means of assuaging the sting of criticism, and how can you fault anyone who takes reasonable measures to bring about internal healing, healing needed to alleviate the pain of knives in the back? Putting the knife in another’s back in retribution would accomplish nothing in the long run and I have learned the sweetest revenge is to succeed by moving ahead.
The truth is tongue or pen fire only makes you stronger if you have God’s Word and the Holy Spirit in your heart! Jesus demonstrated this truth over and again in the short ministry period. His overarching truth is simple; even if you heal a man born blind, it will only intensify the vitriol of those who hate you. So keep on healing the blind or whatever “God” thing you are called to be doing.
These lines are written today, to you, in the hope that as you attempt to please God, you will know you will automatically displease someone. Be kind, but keep your face set as a flint toward what God has assigned to you!
Copyright © 2016 Larry Lilly
Great IT work makes a difference Oral Deckard
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