Being part of doing God's work never grants you immunity from criticism.  Whoever believes that will find their soul being damaged as they seek His will.  Harsh words are not limited to ministers alone.  Even those church members who want to be a part of God's work often receive sharp comments from those around them.  Perhaps it is that our enemy knows how damaging negative words are to our heart?  One of the painful lessons in ministry is to come to terms with the reality that criticism comes with the territory.  I began my career with a blissful misunderstanding about this.  You can only imagine my hurt when people would talk bad about either me as a person or of my efforts.  Some people can let such things roll right off their emotions.  Such a personality is not a gift of mine.  Sticks and stones never hurt as much words meant to inflict pain.

It is true that it takes many more words of encouragement to ever make up for criticism.  Positive reinforcement usually requires much more effort to break through our wounds.  You can do one of two things when others criticize you.  The first response is disbelief.  People cannot imagine anyone being negative about who you are or what you do.  Our mind tells us that surely they are wrong.  Such a reaction will do little to move you toward growth.  Another choice is to consider there may be truth in what is said.  You do not ever have to surrender your understanding to someone who may not care as much as they should.  But you can stop to ask God if such an opinion reflects a truth He may want to get across to us.  He knows far more than either you or your critic.  Humility is required to take up such openness with God.  His words will guide you into further grace rather than leave you feeling guilty.  Learn to allow criticism to drive you to God.  It would be very easy for the negative to push you away from Him.

My point is that criticism entered my ministry life at an early age.  Just because my mind thought it knew it all did not make it so.  What becomes very tough is balancing the critics with moving toward God's purpose.  I wondered first that was wrong with me with everything coming my way.  Sometimes it seemed as if any decision would lead to a barrage of negative comments.  You honestly must let God have the last word just to keep some element of sanity.  Always remember that criticism will take a toll on your life.  You cannot absorb the contrary energy of others without paying a price.  Thirty years of taking in negative comments affects me in ways better left unsaid.  It's very easy to reach the point where apathy sets in because of that inadequate feeling.  A personality such as mine makes it doubly more painful.  Scripture never tells us to shy away from the truth.  It does command that such truth be tempered in love.

Remember my original purpose in putting ideas such as these in writing.  The point is not pity or sympathy.  We do not seem to grasp what our words do to others.  Neither is the issue to not have people offer another view on whatever may be taking place in any moment.  Recent reflection is showing me just how much damage I allowed in my life.  But here is the good news for all of us.  We do not have to remain unhealthy since we are in a grace relationship with God.  Time will not change the words of another person.  It will also not move us toward healing.  We must turn our heart toward God who desires the very best for us.  His words can undo our pain while building divine truth in our being.  Our memories can be filled with a new Spirit to soothe our hurts.  Ministry is very hard.  Damage is always a very real possibility.  Expecting every person to approve of your decision or action is a sure way to curb your enthusiasm.  Always take your heart go God.  His insight is all that matters.  Just remember He may use a negative person to get your attention.  This is not fun but it can change your life. 

Bro. Trey