by Rick Ashlock

“It is folly for an eminent person to think of escaping censure, and a weakness to be affected by it. All the illustrious persons of antiquity, and indeed of every age, have passed through this fiery persecution. There is no defense against reproach but obscurity.” Joseph Addison (1672-1719).

How well do you accept criticism? If you accept it well, you can consider yourself a rare individual, indeed. The natural response to criticism is to become defensive and attempt to justify yourself, whether that is a realistic thing to do or not. Usually, the more someone is criticized, the more defensive they become and the more difficult it is for them to effect real change. Thus, if there is someone you want to help improve in a certain area of their lives, you’ll probably find that criticizing them, even if it is “constructive criticism,” is either ineffective or, more likely, counterproductive.

In a strong and loving relationship, we can eventually see through the hurt we feel when we have received criticism and see the love behind the painful words. There are times, however, when criticism is not born of best intentions but intended to hurt and express disdain. The most important tool in dealing with criticism is being honest with yourself. Sometimes people who care about us may criticize us but not fully understand the situation and thus their criticism will be inaccurate. Sometimes someone who does not care about us may say things that are very hurtful but within their venomous words we can find a valuable insight into a weakness we have. If we are truly honest with ourselves, we will be able, when the emotions subside, to deal with the criticism, regardless of the intention behind it, in a manner which helps us grow.

Ultimately, we must remember whenever we are criticized or feel compelled to criticize others that life, especially the Christian life is not about achieving perfection. Regardless of how much we grow in faith, how much spiritual fruit we bear, or how closely we walk with God, someone somewhere will be able to find fault with something about us. We must never let our shortcomings, real or imagined, prevent us from doing the work we have been called to do.

There was no greater leader in the early church than the apostle Paul. Yet, he was certainly not lacking in detractors. Many people seeking their own agendas sought to discredit and undermine him. They attacked him personally, criticized his appearance, and tried to undo his good work by twisting his words to serve their own evil purposes. It is easy to see Paul’s anger and pain over this ill treatment but it is also easy to see his confidence in the knowledge that he would ultimately be vindicated by the almighty God he served.

However, there were times when Paul struggled in the face of criticisms leveled at him. He was, more than anyone else, aware of his own flaws and shortcomings and repeatedly asked to have them removed. The Lord’s response was, in effect, that it is only in human weakness that the power of God can fully be displayed. It is what God accomplishes through us despite our limitations which gives Him the true glory.

While we should always look for ways to grow more like the savior we serve, we must remember that we have been called not to perfection, but to greatness. We can be neither on our own but we can be truly great in our service to God if we let Him work through us despite what others say.

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