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Nibbled to Death By
Minnows
02/11/2001
In response to criticism, James A. Harding said, "I don't mind
being
swallowed by a whale but I refuse to be nibbled to death by minnows."
Little minnows pick at us all the time. Criticism is a way of life for
some, even though the Bible says, "Do all things without murmuring
and questionings" (Phil. 2:14). But, whereas it is a way of life
for some, criticism is fact of life to all of us who try to live for
Jesus. Jesus said, "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when
they shall separate you from their company, and reproach you, and cast out
your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake" (Luke 6:22).
So, how do you handle the hurt imposed by others? First, LISTEN
to your critics. Treat them the way you would want to be treated (Mt.
7:12). Someone said, "The critic is quick on the flaw, so don't be
"quick on the draw" in your reaction. Pause; weigh your critic's
selection of words, their inflection of voice and the reflection they have
attached to your ways. Second, LEARN from your critics. In every
criticism you receive, you will find a grain of truth. Ralph Waldo Emerson
said, "In every man there is something of which I may learn of him,
and in that he is my teacher." Allow your critics to be your
teachers. Search for a kernel of truth in what they say. Learn from it and
throw the rest of the chaff away.
Finally, LOVE your critics. Corrie Ten Boom said, "Our
critics are
frequently the unpaid guardians of our souls. Bless them." Jesus
said,
"Love your enemies and pray for them" (Mt. 5:44). As
Christians, we "exhort one another, and build each other up"
(1 Thess.5:11). Even when others are less than generous, we use their
efforts to destroy as building blocks of character. Hopefully, such a
response will even serve to cause a bit of pause on their part... and help
them too.
Douglas L Post
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TRAVELING ON MY KNEES
Last night I took a journey,
To a land across the seas.
I didn't go by boat or plane,
I traveled on my knees.
I saw so many people there,
In the darkest depths of sin.
The Lord Jesus told me I should go,
Those many souls to win.
But I said, "Lord Jesus, I can't go
And work with such as these."
He answered quickly, "Yes, you can,
By traveling on your knees."
Said He, "You pray, I'll meet the need;
You call, and I will hear.
Be anxious over all lost souls,
Of those both far and near."
And I tried it; knelt in prayer,
And gave up some hours of ease.
I felt the Lord right by my side
While traveling on my knees.
As I prayed on and saw men saved,
And blighted spirits healed,
I saw God's workers' strength renewed
While laboring in the field.
Said I, "Yes, Lord, I have a job,
'Tis Thee I'll ever please.
I'll gladly go and heed Thy call
By traveling on my knees."
(Raymond Jackson, missionary in Romania)
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