Handling Criticism

“Judge nothing before the appointed time.” 1Co 4:5 NIV

Someone once quipped, “Every baseball team could use someone who knows how to play every position, never strikes out, and never makes an error. The only problem is, it’s hard to make him set down his hotdog and come out of the spectator stands!” All of us need the advice and input of others. But you should only consider the advice of a critic when: (1) you know you are valued by the one who criticizes you; (2) the criticism is not tainted by his or her personal agenda; (3) the person is not naturally critical of everything; (4) the person will continue giving support after giving advice; (5) he or she has knowledge and success in the area of the criticism. What really hurts is the criticism of people who are important to you. It’s hard to have your dream criticized by those you admire, love and respect. But if you want to achieve your dream you’ll have to learn how to pay that price too. On the other hand, Stacy Allison, the first American woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, points out that there are times in your life when it’s okay not to listen to what other people are saying. “If I’d listened to other people I wouldn’t have climbed Mount Everest.” If you have a God-given promise and purpose, and if your heart is right, then disregard unjustified criticism and stand on this Scripture: “Judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.”

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