1. We become angry and lash out at the one giving the criticism: When our enthusiasm for something is viewed negatively by someone significant in our life, we often respond with anger and may say things we later regret. Usually, we're trying to defend our position or justify our right to believe something. We expect those around us (family, friends, church family) to be supportive and just as enthusiastic as we are about the issue. However, sometimes what we receive from them is just the opposite... cynicism, criticism, rebuke, or perhaps simply a level of apathy we find intolerable. If their remarks are harsh, we feel attacked, and at times like those we often "fire back." No one likes dodging bullets without at least trying to shoot back in defense. Yet, Scripture warns us against that sort of response.
"Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense." (Proverbs 19:11)
More often than not, when we bridle our tongue and refuse to exchange hurtful remarks, we find that in time that other person comes around to our way of thinking and begins to embrace our enthusiasm simply because they see for themselves that our passion is not a fleeting fancy. Our commitment to our belief and our steady indication of that commitment will be a stronger witness than any verbal admonition can ever be.
2. We feel hurt and discouraged, often choosing to give up as a result: This response to criticism occurs when we fall into the trap of seeking our approval from man, rather than keeping our eyes firmly fixed on the "author and finisher of our faith."
"You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You." (Isaiah 26:3)
It is a grave mistake to place our hopes into the hands of other humans. They are, after all, sinful creatures just as we are sinful. Sooner or later, even our staunchest supporters will disappoint us by their negativism. That is not to say we should never listen to the advice of others, but we must be diligent to weigh that advice against the Word of God and the call upon our heart concerning a given matter. Only when we discipline our minds to stay in close communion with the Lord will we find peace. Commitment to God is key... commitment in the face of criticism is glory.
3. We lose our enthusiasm and begin to drift: If criticism leads us to complacency, we have become lukewarm in our faith and obedience to God's call. Jesus Christ spoke through the Apostle John in Revelation 3:15-16:
"I know your [record of] works and what you are doing; you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth!"
We understand that these verses were written specifically to the church in Laodicea, which had become wealthy and "self-sufficient," thereby also becoming very complacent about the faith. However, the same verses were recorded for our benefit that we might understand the danger of a so-so commitment to those things which Christ has commissioned for us. The word spew means "to rapidly expel with great force." It is synonymous with the word vomit. Now, I cannot speak for you, but I can assure you with confidence that I have no desire to be "vomited" out from Jesus' presence!
I guess what I'm trying to say today is simple. Don't allow someone else's level of enthusiasm... or the gross lack thereof... to sway you from your appointed call in Christ Jesus. Life will be filled with times when we believe in a given course of action, only to find that those around us do not embrace our enthusiasm or even support it. Listen... consider... pray. Then, move forward on that which God has placed in your heart. Keep your eyes fixed on the prize, and don't give up. Don't get angry because others fail to have the same commitment as you. Don't lose your enthusiasm for the task. Look to the only source of true wisdom and guidance for your life, then move on with determined commitment and love for the task (and others). God does not call His children to lives of convenience and ease. But He rewards perseverance, dedication, and obedience.
"Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing."
(James 1:2-4, Amplified Bible)
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