August 25: CRITICS

See it:

To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn’t dance, so we played funeral songs and you didn’t mourn.’ For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results. Matthew 11:16-19 (NLT)

Obey it:

If you serve people, you will surely be criticized. In fact, if you are intentional and persistent in reaching the ones God misses the most, you will suffer a case of friendly fire. The Pharisees criticized Jesus and found Him “guilty by association.” But as Andy Stanley reminds us, “If Jesus feared guilt by association, He would have stayed in heaven.” When you are criticized, remember three principles:

1.      People that always complain are like children. If you listen to them, you are in reality letting kids rule your life. Do you really want that?

2.      No matter what Jesus did, people always criticized. So go ahead and be the person God is calling you to be. You will be happier, healthier, and at the end more satisfied.

3.      Results will show the truth. Matthew 11:19 says that wisdom is shown to be right by its results. This means: let your results talk for themselves. DON’T DEFEND YOURSELF TO PEOPLE. Stop living your life based on others’ opinions.

Share it:
1. Leave some extra stamps at the post office for the next cutomer.
2. Donate an hour of your professional services.
3. Leave chocolate for your co-worker.

My prayer today:
Lord, help me be the person you called me to be, regardless of opposition, criticism, or gossip. Amen.

Season of Service