When You Face Criticism

I laughed out loud when I read this quote by Dwight Moody this morning. I’m not sure of the original source, but here’s what I read. Apparently, when people criticized Moody for his methods in evangelism, he said this:

“It is clear you don’t like my way of doing evangelism. You raise some good points. Frankly, I sometimes do not like my way of doing evangelism. But I like my way of doing it better than your way of not doing it.”

I laughed because when criticism comes our way, it’s often from people who aren’t doing the thing they so vehemently critique. You’ll always have people who criticize your art, your writing, your community service, your research, your programs, and your initiatives to bless and change the world.

The quote fortified a place in me that gets nervous to write more, speak more, and share my faith with more and more neighbors. Every public person receives criticism; it’s part of the calling. But now, maybe you’ll chuckle when you remember what Moody said to his critics. Maybe it stings a bit and needs some love to temper the thought, but it’s something smart to remember.

 

 

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