How did Jesus deal with unfair criticism? He didn’t engage. He kept looking up to heaven. ‘When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.’ (v. 23 ESV) Why? He trusted that God was in charge, and would look after Him. It’s not massively helpful to tell people to stay quiet when they’re unfairly criticised, without telling them why. When Peter talks to believers who are ‘suffering unjustly’, he tells them to be ‘mindful of God’ (v. 19 ESV) – rather than holding the injustice at the front of their minds, he’s saying ‘look to the God who knows what’s coming next for you’. When your mind is caught up with how unfair it is to be criticised, God might just be arranging things for your good, making your paths straight, and bringing all you need to you. When you have your eyes on that, the gut-punch of being unfairly criticised doesn’t become less unfair, or less upsetting, but it loses its power to control your thinking.
Often, the best route is to just not engage with dumb criticism. Sure, if you’re a high profile leader, it makes sense to be accountable to everyone and let the truth out. And to keep a group of honest, close friends (not just a gang of yes-men). But if you spend your life swayed by the ill-informed opinions of others, you’ll be blocking your view of God’s plans for you. And you might even start to believe them, too.
What now?
Be mindful of God (remember this isn’t about abusive criticism – if you’re getting that, please get help).
