August 11, 1999

EXPLORE THE BIBLE:
Don't let 'constructive
criticism' tear you down
___ 2 Corinthians 10:10-12,18; 11:4-6a,23-27
___By Mark Bumpus
___First Baptist Church, Mineral Wells
___Bernard Baruch said, "When the arrows of criticism come your way, keep walking and they will fall harmlessly behind you." Sometimes those arrows penetrate your heart and give lingering pain.
___ Advocate or adversary? (2 Corinthians 10:10-11). After dealing with a sinful church member (ch. 1-7) and a relief offering (ch. 8-9), Paul deals with church critics. Critics are usually present when attempting something worthwhile.
___The chairman of a personnel committee once said, "We are here to be a staff advocate." What a refreshing concept! Paul could have used that kind of committee!
___Some criticized everything about Paul: his preaching, appearance and health (v.10). Elsewhere they said he was cowardly (10:1), indecisive (1:17-18), an embezzler (8:20), self-promoting (3:1), deceptive (12:16), doctrinally unsound (7:2), a non-Christian (10:7) and schizophrenic (5:13).
___Before you criticize ... ever wondered what kind of week preceded your pastor into the pulpit on Sunday morning? Its not a 9 to 5 job, you know? If your pastor has an "off" sermon, misses a visit or seems under-prepared for a committee meeting, you might ask him honestly, "How has your week been?" ... and listen for a way you can take up some slack. Did he have any "down time" for "dream time" (vision casting) or was he daily distracted by the insignificant?
___The three common tasks of a minister are preaching, pastoral ministry and administration. Gerald Kennedy, the Methodist bishop, describes seven worlds of the minister: preacher, pastor, teacher, evangelist, theologian, administrator, prophet. It's a rare bird, a 10-talent person (Matthew 25:14-30), who can do all well.
___Is your church sufficiently staffed, vocational and volunteer, for comprehensive Christian ministry in the basics of worship, discipleship, evangelism and ministry? An advocate jumps on board and helps--you can't row the boat and rock the boat at the same time. Lincoln said, "He has the right to criticize who has the heart to help."
___ Full of themselves (2 Corinthians 10:12,18). Verse 12 is full of "themselves" (5 times). That's typical of critics: full of themselves and "without understanding." Much criticism is a subtle form of self-boasting. The Lord's opinion is more important (v.18). "If what they are saying about you is true, mend your ways. If it isn't true, forget it, and go on and serve the Lord," said H. A. Ironside.
___ False doctrine (2 Corinthians 11:4-6a). The false teachers were adversarial, preaching "another Jesus," "a different spirit" and "a different gospel" (v.4). Doctrinally unsound. Christians are led astray if not well-grounded (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
___ Catalogue of adversity (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). This compressed recitation of Paul's afflictions was a reluctant defense of his apostleship. The false teachers could not match Paul in commitment, deeds or sacrifice. Their criticism was unfounded.
___Lincoln said, "If I care to listen to every criticism, let alone act on them, then this shop may as well be closed for all other businesses. I have learned to do my best, and if the end result is good then I do not care for any criticism, but if the end result is not good, then even the praise of 10 angels would not make the difference."

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