Facing Criticism

What do you do when “religious” people criticize you for doing ministry?  Peter faced this situation in Acts 10 and 11, when after sharing the Gospel to the Gentiles at Cornelius’ house, he faced criticism from his brothers in Jerusalem.  Acts 11:1 “The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. (2)So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him (3)and said, ‘You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.” 

As unfortunate as it is, many believers face daily criticism for loving others and for doing what God commanded.  Religious churchgoers are often unhappy with their fellow church members for reaching out, doing missions, serving, and so on.  As we examine Peter’s response in Acts 11 we find a couple of key things to remember.

First, “Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened.”  It is important that we are precise in our understanding of what God has taught us and what God has commanded us.  Be certain . . . Be confident . . . Be precise in your testimony.

Second, Peter “remembered what the Lord had said.” (verse 16)  Peter was careful to remember what Christ had taught him and that provided him motivation and clarity in his mission. 

And finally, stay out of God’s way.  Peter realized that opposing God was pointless, ridiculous, frivolous, and obviously a losing battle.  He trusted God’s will, and He trusted God’s desires and therefore declared “who was I to think that I could oppose God?”  When God leads, we cannot get in the way.

So if you feel as if people are not supporting you in your ministry?  And you are truly doing God’s will.  Take a moment, remember, trust, and led God lead.