HOW TO TURN CRITICISM INTO A SUCCESS STORY

   

By Pst Michael Benson Ajayi

Rom 15:14-16”. ..   So, my dear friends don't take my rather bold and blunt language as criticism. It's not criticism. I'm simply underlining how very much I need your help in carrying out this highly focused assignment God gave me,……”. Msg Bible 

       Criticism is the act of expressing disapproval and of noting the problems or faults of a person or thing (Merriam –Webstar Dictionary)

             Nobody likes being told that what they’ve spent so much effort in building isn’t good enough. Prophet Job was a successful entrepreneur, preacher, husband and father;he suffered major losses because he couldn’t stand being criticized Job 16:4 NLT “I could say the same things if you were in my place. I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you.” He preferred being encouraged even if he was heading in the wrong direction Job 16:5NLT “But if it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief.” The pain associated with criticism helps us remember life’s valuable lessons. It is path of our development process. No one would allow his or her children to attend a school where students aren’t allowed to sit for exams. Examinations are all about criticism; they are part of the learning process.

         Peter out of the fear of being criticized became a supporter of wrong theology and lost the respect of his subordinates.  Gal 2:12-13 NLT says “He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision.  As a result, other Jewish Christians followed Peter's hypocrisy.. .” Peter was the senior pastor of the church of Christ and yet he could not stand firm on controversial issues such as racial and gender equality in the house of God .This is one the reasons behind the proliferation of satanic cults in our churches especially when there are temporal benefits accrual to the leaders. 

        Destructive criticism is not of God; it seeks to discourage us from serving God, the scriptures speaks concerning this in 1 Tim 5:6-7NLT “ But the widow who lives only for pleasure is spiritually dead even while she lives.  Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism.” Destructive criticism hinders miracles in our lives and should be avoided. Another area that brings about negative criticism is in the management of public funds. Preachers of the gospel are expected to earn a living through business or jobs especially were offerings are not enough to pay ministry bills (2Thess3:6-10). They are also supported by the generosity of those benefiting from their teachings (Gal.6:6,Phil4:16) this symbiotic relationship is crucial for a sustainable relationship between the teachers and the beneficiaries. However, in cases where money is set aside for a particular purpose, preachers are not to use such funds on themselves; this exposes the church of Christ to negative criticism. 2 Cor 8:20-22 (Mssg Bible)..” taking every precaution against scandal. We don't want anyone suspecting us of taking one penny of this money for ourselves.  We're being as careful in our reputation with the public as in our reputation with God.”

         The rejection of criticism leads to failure in relationships, poverty and homelessness (Pro 13:18). Most of what is ascribed as spiritual attacks is nothing but the effect of rejecting healthy criticism. The ability to receive criticism is a sign of spiritual maturity and progress. Prov 28:23Mssg bible says,” In the end, serious reprimand is appreciated far more than boot-licking flattery.”

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