HOW TO CONFRONT CRITICISM AND LIES?
The fifth time, Sanballat’s servant came with an open letter in his hand, and this is what it said: “There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king. He also reports that you have appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim about you, ‘Look! There is a king in Judah!’ “You can be very sure that this report will get back to the king, so I suggest that you come and talk it over with me.” I replied, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.” They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination. (Nehemiah 6:5-9 NLT)
We have all been confronted with criticism, rumors, and lies at some point, which can cause great damage in a family, relationship, job, or church. We can’t avoid criticism, but we can avoid it destroying us. Nehemiah is an example of a man who knew how to confront criticism and lies against him. Let’s follow the example he demonstrated when his enemies criticized him.
- Seek God in prayer. When Nehemiah heard the criticism against him, the first thing he did was, not fight, but seek God in prayer, asking Him for protection and justice from his enemies. The Devil will use people to criticize when we are doing a good work, but when they mock or criticize you, the first thing to do is seek God and He will bring justice.
- Not fight. Nehemiah did not stop to fight with his adversaries, he simply ignored the criticism and kept working. Don’t waste your time fighting or defending yourself from rumors and criticism. Choose your battles wisely, those that are worth fighting for. If you know that what they are saying is not true, leave it in the hands of God.
- Don’t lose focus. Nehemiah’s enemies called for him, but his response was that he was too busy doing a great work. The enemy wants to deviate you through criticism to remove your focus on what God has assigned to you, such as your family, calling, etc.
So I replied by sending this message to them: I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you? (Nehemiah 6:3 NLT)
Think about it:
What is the first thing you do when you are criticized?
What opportunities have you lost or left halfway done due to criticism?
What great work has God placed in your hands?