FACING CRITICISM?

Dear AAG Family;

Below is a Bob Gass devotional on criticism which I read to day. Although it is some years old, the messge still applies to many today.

"Remember the servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you." John 15:20

More On Handling Criticism

A Bob Gass Devotional

December 19, 1998

            If you're making a difference, expect criticism; and remember, you're in some very distinguished company. Jesus said of His critics, "John came fasting and they called him crazy. I came feasting and they called Me...a friend of riffraff." [Matt 11:18 TM] Opinion polls don't count for much do they?

            Criticism is just proof that your influence is being felt. When Gospel singer Carmen held a concert at Mardi Gras, and was severely criticised for "mixing" with the world", he answered, "Isn't the darkness supposed to flee from the light, and not the light from the darkness?" Great answer! So he held his concert and hundreds came to Christ; hundreds who wouldn't have gone to any church. What a lesson for us! If you do God's will you're not going to keep everybody happy - so don't even try. Just concentrate on pleasing the Lord.

            Be like the hawk. When it's attacked by crows it doesn't counter-attack. That would be beneath it! No, it simply soars higher and higher, until the pests leave it alone. Go ahead, circle above your adversaries on wings of faith, and don't let them bring you down on their level. Your example will do more to change peoples minds than all their arguments.

END OF DEVOTIONAL

 "Father God, thank You for giving me another opportunity to share a message of encouragement with my brothers and sisters-in-Christ. Amen."

Lena J