Nov
20
2009
Responding To Criticism
As many of you know, my family and I were recently faced with the painful challenge of how to handle public criticism. It forced me to carefully think through how the gospel should inform and shape our response to public, personal attack.
Well, the other day I found great help (and healing) from Carl Trueman’s thoughts on how Christian’s should respond if they are criticized or defamed (specifically on the web). His gospel-drenched insights are right on the money:
The answer is simple: for myself, I do not believe that it is appropriate that I spend my time defending my name. My name is nothing—who really cares about it? And I am not called to waste precious hours and energy in fighting off every person with a laptop who wants to have a pop at me. As a Christian, I am not meant to engage in self-justification any more than self-promotion; I am called rather to defend the name of Christ; and, to be honest, I have yet to see a criticism of me, true or untrue, to which I could justifiably respond on the grounds that it was Christ’s honour, and not simply my ego, which was being damaged. I am called to spend my time in being a husband, a father, a minister in my denomination, a member of my church, a good friend to those around me, and a conscientious employee. These things, these people, these locations and contexts, are to shape my priorities and my allocation of time. Hitting back in anger at those who, justly or unjustly, do not like me and for some reason think the world needs to know what they think of me is no part of my God-given vocation. God will look after my reputation if needs be; He has given me other work to do.
(Hat Tip: Justin Taylor)
17 Comments
I agree, as Christians we are not to engage with fools but instead, concentrate on Christ. I believe most times, it is Satan trying to distract us from our true missions.
I found this true long before the web (or my use thereof). I knew that God was my defender and I just needed to go about my business as Christ would have me live.
Very wise. It reminds me of how your grandfather responded–or didn’t respond–to his many critics.
tullian: be of good cheer, you follow your Master, Lord & Friend!
from Piper’s boi on Luther, esp point 5: Which leads us to the next characteristic of Luther at study, namely, suffering. For Luther, trials make a theologian. Temptation and affliction are the hermeneutical touchstones.
He proved the value of trials over and over again in his own experience. “For as soon as God’s Word becomes known through you,” he says, “the devil will afflict you will make a real doctor of you, nd will teach you by his temptations to seek and to love God’s Word. For I myself … owe my papists many thanks for so beating, pressing, and frightening me through the devil’s raging that they have turned me into a fairly good theologian, driving me to a goal I should never have reached” (see note 58).
see: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Biographies/1470_Martin_Luther_Lessons_from_His_Life_and_Labor/
many gracious blessings,
danny
Thanks for posting this… I’ve definitely dealt with this personally and even wanting to defend other staff or members of our church. I almost felt bad not responding and trying to “win” the argument. This gave me some good insight on what battles are really worth fighting, and those that just take away from the work we really are called to do! Thanks!
Tullian, the excerpt reminds me of you. You may feel a desire to defend your name, family name, your desire to do God’s will. It is our action, yours being consistent and patient and leaning on God and His truth that is honorable, because it brings God the glory. He is working through you and we are receiving His mercy and grace. Thank you for continuing to show us how to strive for righteousness, through Christ.
Diane
Consider this quote from Isaiah 53, “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.” What self-control it took for the Blameless One to patiently endure the vitriol of His rebellious ones, and yet He stood in “quiet confidence”, knowing His Father pleasure, and what He was appointed to do for the Father. The difficulty of speaking in defense of Christ vs the defense of our name is rather hard to discern because our opinion seems always to get in the way. How many times I have fought to “win the argument” regarding the “truth”. I have done so with unbelievers, believers, friends, relatives, and even my spouse. We must walk by faith and stand where we believe God has put us and called us to boldly speak, but may we first consider Him who “opened not His mouth”, Him who became God’s Enemy and Adversary in our stead so that we might know the sweet friendship of the Father.
What great advice!
My college student son came to me recently regarding a few crisis going on in his life (all at the same time). I realized a couple were the same kind of crisis he has gone through before.
I’m sure it was wisdom from God when I thought to tell him it seems like the enemy of our souls has figured out a couple arrows to throw at him that will distract him (my son) from God’s path. He’ll need to realize in the future to be aware of the enemy’s tactics.
One of his was the mumblings, grumblings, and gossip of others against him (and much of it from “friends). I’ll need to copy the above quote for him.
Wow, what great words for to remember. I know my natural inclination is to jump in and defend myself, but this is another way the “gospel centered” life is totally opposite what this culture tells us. Thanks for posting this Tullian.
Pastor, “the truth will set you free”. I believe it more than ever! I praise Christ our Redeemer for His Words of Life, Love and Encouragement. ” Be of good cheer when men shall revile you and persecute you. For so persecuted the prophets which were before you.” The word also plainly states, “He that winneth souls is wise”. Those that waste the precious hours and days that God has given them have lost the meaning of “servant” of God. While serving the Lord in the music ministry myself..I came under attack more than once and sometimes they hurt. But the Lord called my heart and mind to the scripture when Jesus was falsely accused…”He utterth not His mouth”..
Wow!! He just stood there and took it…He knew in HIS heart…that the accusor of the brethern was wrong..but He did not have to defend Himself..The Father provided His defense. Amen! Keep the faith, Fight the fight of righteousness and trust in the words ” He will fight our battles for us!! ” Stay true to the Heavenly Vision!!
Pastor, When you said today the “affects of sin”, what you actually mean is: “the EFFECTS of sin” right?
Hi Rocio,
Whichever is grammatically correct is what I said (smile!).
Hey Tullian nice way to respond to criticism on that last post. It is an example we can all follow.
P
Affects:Effects… I remember it this way. Affect is a verb, effect is a noun. “Something is affected, but its effects are seen later.” Although, psychologically speaking, affect is also a noun when you are speaking of someone’s affect (their mood). Now, are you really confused?!
Seriously, good post. A student of mine was giving a presentation and she shared one of the things that American Express tells their employees – “take criticism professionally, not personally.” I think that is also great advice and helps us to distance ourselves from the criticism to a degree. .
My reading from My Utmost for His Highest today was on the things that can distract our attention from God. It had a portion on this same topic, so I thought it was worth sharing (the other thing Chambers mentions is the “cares of this world”).
“Another thing that distracts us is the lust of vindication. St. Augustine prayed – “O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself.” That temper of mind destroys the soul’s faith in God. “I must explain myself; I must get people to understand.” Our Lord never explained anything; He left mistakes to correct themselves.”
Pastor and Sheryl,
Thanks I needed this post….I am still working on this area…however I do see the beginning of “real heart change” in my life the past year. Keep preaching HIS Word Tullian and keep “us” focused on Jesus. I am so thankful for you. May the Lord bless you and your precious family abundantly in the year ahead.
Continued prayers for your dad’s complete recovery ….. blessings~ Carol
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:31-33