“Don’t let them mock and humiliate me; I’ve been careful to do just what you said.” Psalm 119:22, Msg

“Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statues.” NIV

“Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your decrees.” NLT

The cry of the Psalmist is maybe our cry from time to time, when we are criticized in many ways right at the peak of our work for God. We strive to follow every letter of the law of God’s Word and still it comes. Criticism is timely in it’s effort to bring down a person and the work they are doing. Criticism is powerful–if we let it. It can destroy the work (for only a time) and sometimes destroy or at least hinder the growth of people. It seems the greater the work (to help the most people) the greater the amount of criticism of the work. Fighting against it, alone, can be exhausting while all our energy is focused on the work. Many times the church shoots and wounds it’s own in the process.

WHAT TO REMEMBER!
1. “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12, NLT Discern in your heart that this a ploy of satan working through one of your brothers or sisters to bring down the work by bringing down you. See it for what it is.

2. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Jesus was mocked, criticized and ridiculed from the time he entered ministry until he was crucified on the cross for our sins. You are in good company IF you are following God’s Word, staying focused on what He has given you to be and do, and have a pure desire to bring HIM glory through the work. “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.”–Jesus.

3. Ask for God’s Help to discern the difference between real help from those who love God and love you versus criticism of those who are jealous that you are living the abundant life that they have avoided for a number of reasons. Criticism usually stems from the root of pride and self. Be wise, in other words. Listen, then pray, and the Holy Spirit will direct you to what is right.

4. Never stop following God’s Word! No matter what is said or done to you. I was once mocked because I got to the church early (before my scheduled work hours) where I was working as a pastor of discipleship, to dive into the Word, meditate and journal before beginning my day. I will never forget the audacity of this mocking! In my mind, my first response was WHAT? You brought me here to disciple and you don’t like the “textbook of life” that I use to digest before I try to help others? WHAT??

Then, after a few weeks of prayer over this disappointing, single incident, I began to realize quickly that our goals were very different. Sometimes God will take you out of places where you cannot do His will freely. Jesus told his disciples before sending them out to world, if you come to a place that won’t accept you, then shake the dust off your feet and move on. (Matthew 10:14, Luke 9:5, Mark 6:11) God’s Word and living it trumps everything this world, in and out of the church, has to offer.

5. God will take care of you. He will make all things work for good for those who love Him. (Romans 8:28) And He will take care of those who mock you…and Him…in His time in His way. That is NOT our job. If we try to “get back” by using the same weapon as was dealt to us, having hate as a motive, then we are bringing ourselves down to the level of our accusers. Be silent. Take it. Jesus did. Then move on with the most important mission on earth that was given to us “Go and make disciples”. With that has our focus, all else, including the critical statements just melt or fall away. Our mission trumps criticism.

Dear Heavenly Father, We are honored to come before you, following Your Word. We know full well that many will criticize all our efforts to obey you. But as you told Paul to write, we want to know Christ so we must share in His sufferings. Our desire is to love you back, so we will move on, at your command. The Psalmist cried out, “Don’t let them scorn and insult me” but we know that it will come anyway. We ask that you give us the power of Your Holy Spirit to combat the desire to get even and the discernment to know what is best to be and do. Be gentle with us, Lord. Be with us. 
In Jesus Name, Amen