<p>Sermon #1002 Handling Criticism</p><p>“Henry Ward Beecher … often ridiculed [him] in his newspaper …, rebuking him for his lack of refinement and calling him “an unshapely man.” Other Northern newspapers … called for his assassination... He was called a coward, “an idiot,” and “the original gorilla” by …[his] commanding general…. In the days after [his] assassination, William Lloyd Garrison Jr. called [it] “providential” … …[He] was denounced for his leadership... Michael Burlingame, … professor … at the University of Illinois at Springfield, [reports] … Senator Zachariah Chandler of [his] Republican party…reviled him [as] “timid vacillating & inefficient.” ….Ohio Republican William M. Dickson wrote … [he] “is universally an admitted failure, has no will, no courage, no executive capacity … and his spirit necessarily infuses itself downwards through all departments.”</p><p>Charles Sumner, Republican senator [and his personal counsellor]: “There is a strong feeling [that he]… lacks practical talent for his important place...” William P. Fessenden, the Maine Republican, called [him] “weak as water.”</p><p>… His wife said … the constant attacks caused him ‘great pain.’ At times, after reading salvos like Henry Ward Beecher’s, [he] reportedly would exclaim, ‘I would rather be dead than … thus abused in the house of my friends.’”</p><p>Amidst this sample of the incessant criticisms leveled against him even by those on his side, you would think that this man was a legendary loser. In fact, Abraham Lincoln, is now widely recognized as one of the best US presidents. Obviously, his opponents would be critical, but one would expect his Northern allies to be supportive. Not so!</p><p>….[A] Pennsylvania newspaper reported [on the Gettysburg Address], “We pass over the silly remarks of the President … [and] are willing that the veil of oblivion shall be dropped over them, and they shall be no more repeated or thought of.” A London Times correspondent wrote, “Anything more dull and commonplace it wouldn’t be easy to produce.”</p><p>A. B. Bradford, a Pennsylvania pastor … wrote [that Lincoln’s] second inaugural address (With malice toward none, with charity for all …), …[now] etched in limestone on the Lincoln Memorial … was “one of the most awkwardly expressed documents I ever read … When he knew it would be read by millions … why … did he not make it a little more creditable to American scholarship?” The New York Herald described it as “a little speech of ‘glittering generalities’ used only to fill in the program.” The Chicago Times, … “We did not conceive it possible that even Mr. Lincoln could produce a paper so slip-shod, so loose-jointed, so puerile, not alone in literary construction, but in its ideas, its sentiments, its grasp.” http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2013/06/abraham-lincoln-is-an-idiot/309304/</p><p>If someone of President Lincoln’s stature could be the victim of such widespread, constant and severe criticism, surely none of us should expect to be immune. As Elbert Hubbard put it, “To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.”</p><p>Solomon advises in Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” We will explore biblical teaching that will motivate us away from injuring others with our tongue and instruction that will enable us to endure the spiteful reproaches that might otherwise lead us to emotional despair and spiritual destruction. But first, we have a song…</p><p>1 Handling Criticism by Brett Hickey, sermon #1002 2 of 5</p><p>Gustave Flaubert declared, “The better a work is, the more it attracts criticism; it is like the fleas who rush to jump on white linens.” This certainly was the case with Jesus. Has anyone ever received more unjust criticism? Jewish leaders said He cast out demons by the power of the devil, calling Him “a Samaritan,” “a glutton and a winebibber.” Peter spoke critically of Jesus’ interpretation of the Scriptures that prophesied of His suffering and death. Even his own brothers criticized him (John 7:7-10). Joseph and Mary attempted to gloss over their irresponsible act of leaving Jesus in Jerusalem by chiding Him for staying behind in the synagogue simply being about His “father’s business” (Luke 2:49). We can certainly look to Jesus’ example in handling criticism, but since He was the Son of God perhaps it would be easier to relate to the successes of fallible men who honorably endured criticism. Moses is an impressive example. In Numbers 12:1, we learn that his older siblings, Miriam and Aaron, criticized Moses because he married an Ethiopian woman. They justified their harshness (verse 2) by telling themselves, “Hey! Moses is not above rebuke. God is using us, too!” Then we get the key component to Moses surviving this attack with dignity. While Miriam and Aaron were overinflated with feelings of their own importance, verse 3 tells us, “Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.” This, incidentally, is the key both to delivering and receiving criticism in a God- honoring way.</p><p>Humility is a trait one can seek, but never claim for himself. Are you humble? By answering, “Yes,” you demonstrate, of course, that you are not. How can we boast in our humility? How can we progress in this area, and, as a result, handle criticism in a godly way? In the Christian age, we have an advantage in what we have through Christ.</p><p>1) Recognize our sinfulness. The apostle Paul called himself the chief of sinners in 1 Timothy 1:5. 2) Remember the cost: Jesus died for our sin (Matthew 26:28). 3) Respond biblically: die to self (Romans 8:13).</p><p>The Spirit moved Paul to write in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” When we crucify the flesh, we remove the barbs the carnal man would otherwise hurl in cruel criticisms and numb the nerves overstimulated by the sting of others’ attacks. You cannot hurt a dead man!</p><p>Back to Moses. In verse 4-8, the Lord calls Aaron and Miriam on the carpet in Moses’ presence at the “tabernacle of meeting," clarifying how exclusive His relationship to Moses was and, as a result, how offensive their criticism was to Him: “Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant Moses?" The Bible says that “the anger of the LORD was aroused against them” (verse 9) and Miriam (apparently the ringleader in the offense) was cursed with the disease of leprosy. Aaron expressed bitter remorse and begged Moses to come to the rescue. Remarkably, instead of relishing the rightful discipline of the Lord, “Moses cried out to the LORD,” in verse 13, “saying, ‘Please heal her, O God, I pray!’ Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘If her father had but spit in her face, would she not be shamed seven days? Let her be shut out of the camp seven days, and afterward she may be received again.’"</p><p>When Charles Spurgeon skyrocketed to prominence in London as a young preacher in his early twenties, he had many critics… One of those was … James Wells … an eminent minister … at the apex of his career. Wells wrote an editorial in a Christian publication … that, though Spurgeon spoke some truth … his hearers were likely to be fatally deluded.</p><p>2 Handling Criticism by Brett Hickey, sermon #1002 3 of 5</p><p>After Spurgeon’s … Metropolitan Tabernacle was built several years later, he and Wells were church neighbors. One day they chanced to meet on the street, and Wells asked Spurgeon if he had ever seen the inside of Surrey Tabernacle [where he preached]. The younger minister responded that he had not, but would very much like to someday.</p><p>Wells, with seeming goodwill, said that if Spurgeon would come some Monday morning he would show him round his church. But he added insultingly that there would then be time enough to thoroughly ventilate the church premises before the following Lord’s Day!</p><p>Spurgeon in turn asked Wells if he had ever been inside the Metropolitan Tabernacle. Wells admitted that he had looked in one Saturday and gave the specific date. “Ah,” replied Spurgeon, “that accounts for the delightful fragrance of the services the following [Sunday]!”</p><p>Spurgeon simply lived out the teaching of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse [or criticize - BH] you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you…” Vance Christie provides yet another relevant story involving Spurgeon: “On a later occasion Dr. Newman Hall, another prominent pastor … and author of the immensely popular book Come to Jesus, was sharply ridiculed in a volume … published anonymously. Though he knew who the author was, Hall patiently bore the ridicule for a time. But as the caustic volume began to circulate more widely, Hall wrote a letter of protest which was even more insulting than the book that had attacked him.</p><p>Hall took the letter to Spurgeon and asked his opinion of it. Having carefully read the correspondence, Spurgeon handed it back, declared it was excellent, agreed that the book’s author deserved it all, but then added that the letter lacked one thing. Hall, being quite gratified with Spurgeon’s response, was all ears to his further suggestion.</p><p>“Underneath the signature, ‘Newman Hall’,” coached Spurgeon, “you ought to put the words, ‘Author of Come to Jesus’.” The two godly men gazed in silence at each other for a moment. Then Hall tore his critical letter in pieces. http://www.vancechristie.com/2014/05/08/christ-like-responses-critics/ The solution to receiving criticism is not to return it in kind. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:14, 17- 21, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse…. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”</p><p>Philippians 2:3-4, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”</p><p>King David provides another powerful example of handling criticism in 2 Samuel 16:5-14. Here we find a descendant of Saul named Shimei continually cursing King David and throwing stones at him. Shimei called David a “bloodthirsty … rogue” who was receiving just punishment through his son ’s rebellion. Shimei’s petulant display showed poor judgment as King David was flanked by his “mighty men.”</p><p>3 Handling Criticism by Brett Hickey, sermon #1002 4 of 5</p><p>King David’s vicious generals were foaming at the mouth. Abishai, insisted, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please, let me go over and take off his head!" A snap or a nod from David and Shimei would be silenced forever. Instead, David said in 2 Samuel 16:10, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David…'" How was King David able to respond so graciously to such extreme criticism? Some debate whether “sticks and stones” or “dirty names” cause greater harm. In this case, Shimei employed both in his assault.</p><p>1) King David kept his emotions in check by placing Shimei’s ravings in perspective in 2 Samuel 16:11a, "See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite?” Compared to Absalom’s actions, Shimei’s behavior was a minor blip on the radar screen. It was certainly unworthy of such a violent reaction even if all his companions promoted it.</p><p>2) Secondly, King David recognized that there may be merit in the criticism. After all, David had shed a considerable amount of blood. Some of it arguably well-deserved in light of the murder of Uriah that he might take Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). The Holy Spirit urges us to respond like David in Philippians 2:14- 15, “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…”</p><p>3) Next, King David left open the possibility that this irritating pronouncement was the chastening of the Lord (2 Samuel 16:11b), “Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the LORD has ordered him.” Although God will never tell us when discipline is at the root of criticism or any other perceived mistreatment, the New Testament makes it clear that all but illegitimate children (Hebrews 12:5-11) will sometime experience the chastening of the Lord. Assuming that God could use the censures of others to discipline us softens the temptation to grow bitter and enables us to interpret something unpleasant as potentially beneficial. </p><p>4) Furthermore, King David reasoned, whatever the source of this unpleasant experience, by demonstrating patience and mercy now, he might later receive the Lord’s blessing. We read in 2 Samuel 16:12, “It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day." Galatians 6:8, “Whatsoever a man sows (plants), that shall he also reap (harvest).” Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” We cannot plant brutality and expect to harvest mercy.</p><p>5) King David moved on. We must do the same. Finally, 2 Samuel 16:13, “And as David and his men went along the road, Shimei went along the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went, threw stones at him and kicked up dust. Now the king and all the people who were with him became weary; so they refreshed themselves there.” Eventually, even the most boisterous attacks from the most tenacious detractors will fade into the night. Meanwhile, if we cannot let criticism go, fixating on will steal our joy, ravage our bodies, poison other relationships, and tempt us to sin. The experience added to the exhaustion of David’s unpleasant circumstances, but as with everything else, “this too shall pass.”</p><p>6) Another point to remember when enduring criticism is, “consider the source.” Shimei was not justified for his rant. However, as a relative of King Saul who, after disgracing himself, was replaced by the ruddy young shepherd and called out by the people as inferior, animosity would be natural. Satan, also known as the “accuser of the brethren” (as well as Job’s supposed friends) spoke very critically of Job while God spoke highly of Job. In the end, God put both Satan and Job’s “friends” in their place. </p><p>4 Handling Criticism by Brett Hickey, sermon #1002 5 of 5</p><p>Instead of expecting praise from our fellow man, we should focus on living a life that will produce the Lord’s approval in the end: “Well done; good and faithful servant.” </p><p>We can do ourselves a big favor by having realistic expectations when it comes to receiving criticism; expect it! Jesus said in Matthew 5:10-12, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Not only can we endure unkind words, but Jesus insists that we can rejoice in the midst of it because of the great reward for patiently continuing in the right.</p><p>If the criticism is unjust, leave it God. Jesus warns in Matthew 12:36-37, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” To learn how you can receive a copy of this sermon, stay with us after our song…</p><p>Thank you for watching Let the Bible Speak. We pray you have heard God speak to you through His word. If you’d like help in obeying the Lord and finding a church that worships in spirit and in truth or if you’d like a free DVD of “Handling Criticism,” #102, please call the number on your screen. You may also request a free Bible study course to complete at home. Please visit LetTheBibleSpeak.com to watch videos, hear podcasts and read transcripts of the program at your convenience. You can also watch videos on our Let the Bible Speak YouTube channel. On behalf of the congregations listed shortly, we echo the sentiment of the apostle Paul when he wrote in Romans 16:16, “the churches of Christ salute you.” Until next week, goodbye and God bless. </p><p>Are you searching for the truth of God's word and have a sincere desire to learn about the Bible? Do you want to know what the Bible says about salvation and about Christ and His church? If you are looking for Bible Founded discussion on these topics and many others, then please accept this invitation to explore "Let the Bible Speak" and then contact us for additional studies.</p><p>We are members of the church of Christ as found in the New Testament. We are not members of a denomination or earthly religious organization. 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