Monday, March 29th, 2010
Remember Who Called You
For a little while now, few weeks maybe a month, God has been dealing with me about something that is very common in ministry … Criticism or Negative Talk! That’s right good Christians tearing each other down. Now if your reading this thinking wow I’m in ministry or I go to church and I’ve never faced any criticism, then friend get ready it is on the way! Anytime you are doing something for God the enemy is not happy and will use anyone he can to disrupt you. And so this morning I saw a quote from Pastor Ed Young which read, “God is preparing you (even if criticism is coming your way) for what He has prepared (Called) for you (to do).” My emphasis added. Pastor Young’s quote says it best. I would say it this way Remember who Called YOU! When people are negative we have to love them because Jesus loves them and we should too, but we don’t have to listen to them. In fact if we do we are replacing Him with them. Look up, Rejoice and Smile, God is preparing you for what he has prepared for you to do!
Be Blessed,
PJ
PJ,
This is exactly what I needed to hear today… thank you. I’m prepared, rejoicing, and willing because He asked me to be!
Love in Christ,
Tania
Another quick thought on the Blog from today to avoid confusion. There is always room in and out of the church for constructive criticism done in love. The Bible calls this Accountability. The problem in churches is when criticism turns completely negative leading to individual idle gossip which harms the unity of the church. This type of criticism is wrong. Which is the type we should never listen to. The post is how the latter is not biblical, yet still exists in the church!
Mike and I pray daily for the church and all the workers and leaders especially you pastor Joey. As we all know the destroyer is all about keeping us from a close relationship with God and if he can cause people to bring negative energy into the church he is doing his job and hurting Gods leaders and thus Gods people.
We can’t thank God enough for such a spirit filled church and humble leaders.
Always praying
Carol and Mike