424: Criticism

Do you enjoy criticism?  I don't know too many who do, but it can sometimes be an important part of your development.  If you can't handle criticism and misunderstanding, then you won't go very far in your purpose quest.  So as we wrap up our study of Gideon this week, let's look at the criticism he received and see what you can learn.

SUCCESS BRINGS CRITICISM

When Gideon had won a great battle over the Midianites, some of his allies confronted him after his victory:

Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, "Why have you treated us like this? Why didn't you call us when you went to fight Midian?" And they criticized him sharply (Judges 8:1).

This reminds me of a time later when David was sharply criticized when his men's families were taken captive:

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters (1 Samuel 30:6a).

After all David and Gideon had done, they had their critics, and you will have yours, too.  With that in mind, you have three options of how to handle your inevitable critics.

THREE STRATEGIES

First, you can become defensive, spending a lot of time and energy explaining why you did what you did.  What's more, you can determine never to do much of anything again because the effort is too painful if it results in criticism.  I would not recommend this first option.

Second, you can do what Gideon did:

But he answered them, "What have I accomplished compared to you? Aren't the gleanings of Ephraim's grapes better than the full grape harvest of Abiezer? God gave Oreb and Zeeb, the Midianite leaders, into your hands. What was I able to do compared to you?" At this, their resentment against him subsided (Judges 8:2-3). 

Gideon answered diplomatically and softly. He helped his critics see that their perspective was a bit skewed and that they were also an important part of what had just happened.  Gideon showed great restraint and wisdom, for he knew that leaders will be criticized and he deflected it and won his critics over with a gentle, non-defensive answer.

Third, you can do what David did:

But David found strength in the Lord his God (1 Samuel 30:6b).

David did not react or respond.  He took some time to regain his perspective and he did that by going to the Lord.  The Lord spoke to David and he returned to lead the very men who had threatened to stone him.  What's more, he led them to victory.

I once thought that fear of failure was the greatest hindrance the people of God face.  I now think that fear of criticism is the number one obstacle to obedience. Since criticism is inevitable, it is vital that you develop strategies to deal with it and still remain focused and purposeful.  That is what Gideon and David did and if they did it, with God's help, you can, too.  Have a great week! 

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THE SOPHIA FUND & DEBORAH FOUNDATION:  Books, toys and money have begun to arrive for our Christmas project for the Kenya orphans, with promises of much more to come. This is so much fun to sit back and see what will happen with all this.  I am grateful for your prayerful and prompt response to the children's needs.  To read all about what's going on, go to my blog to see my latest post or go to my Facebook page.  I need books and educational toys and I need you to help me get them. I will figure out a way to get them to Kenya.  You just figure out a way to get them to me. 

I also need help to continue feeding the orphans and widows there from The Sophia Fund.  When you do your Christmas shopping and giving this year, please remember The Sophia Fund and The Deborah Foundation.  I know you will be blessed when you do.