“Nick, you’re an in-the-closet puppy violator!!!”

Christians, do you have judgmental, accusatory, and verbose faultfinders and naysayers in your life? I’m talking about critics (Believers and non-Believers) that quibble over your words and works in ministry, conversations, and social media. I’m talking about people who negatively judge and criticize all of your efforts. Well, be encouraged because so did Jesus and the disciples, therefore, you’re in good company. Just read the gospels and Acts and notice the opposition they faced while sharing the Words of God. (Hint: If you don’t have opposition, and everyone likes you, you’re definitely doing something wrong.)

Now, for the record, I’m referring to illegitimate criticism, not legitimate counsel. There is a difference. Counsel tends to fill you, but criticism tends to kill you… if you let it. These critics want to castrate you (remove your ability to reproduce), while the Spirit of God would circumcise you (prepare you for ministry – Ac 16:3).

For years, I’ve received comments like, “Nick, you’re too mean… You’re too insensitive… You’re too judgmental… You’re doing more harm than good… You’re pushing more people into hell than into the Kingdom… You turn more people off… Nick, if you really loved people, you’d accept them the way they are… Nick, your teaching style is indoctrinating and brainwashing Christians.” And one of my favorites, “Nick, you’re an in-the-closet puppy violator!!!” (Lol!) Yet, in the midst of these charges there is Kingdom fruit! Disciples are being made!

Honestly, I am not complaining. Through these encounters I’ve developed thick skin, an emboldening, greater resolve, and I’ve learned much. Non-Christians primarily bash me because they simply want to be god of their own lives. Christians, however, bash me because they feel great personal conviction at my works, or better stated, the lack of theirs. I typically find that these Christians are doing little to nothing to advance the Kingdom of God! They’re spectators, maybe even bench-warmers, but they’re not on the field! They are not in His works!

Bottom line, don’t let your critics – saved and unsaved – bully you into silence. Instead, IN THE SPIRIT OF LOVE, turn the tables and go on the offensive. Invoke the Word of God, which is the Sword of the Spirit, and ask them personal, penetrating questions like:

– Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mt 4:19) How’s your fishing going? Catch anything? If not, you’re probably not following Jesus.

– What’s on your Christian resum? Show me your works! (Jms 2:17-18)

– What’s your ministry? Are you fulfilling it? (2Cor 5:18; 2Tim 4:5; Col 1:25)

– What percentage of your “God-conversations” are with non-believers? (Ac 20:20, 24)

– Why do you only confront and criticize Believers?

– When was the last time you shared the gospel with someone, or led someone to Christ? (Rom 1:16)

– Can you role-play and lead me to Christ right now? (Mk 16:15) (Not one critic has done this)

– Does evil exist? How do you respond to objections to the bible? Objections to Jesus Christ? Objections to God? (Rom 3:23; 6:23)

– What’s your prayer life like? (Eph 1:6, 6:18; 1Thes 5:17)

– Would you pray for me right now? (Not one critic has done this.)

– Can you see that you’re doing very little for the Kingdom? At least I’m trying, and yet you’re impeding my efforts. What gives?

My prayer for you as you engage the fields:

I declare that Jesus commissioned you with these words, (Mk 16:15) “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Rom 1:16) You are not ashamed of the gospel, for you know it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. You have heard the Lord say, (Mt 10:16) “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” I declare that (1Pe 3:15) you have sanctified the Lord God in your heart, and you are ready always to give an answer, in gentleness and respect, to everyone who asks you a reason of the hope you have. (2Tim 3:12) You are fully aware that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (1Pe 4:12) Therefore, you are not surprised at the fiery ordeals that come to test you, as though something strange was happening to you. (vs.13) But you rejoice and participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. (Php 1:29) You have been given, not only the privilege of trusting in Christ for your salvation, but also the privilege of suffering for Him. You remember Jesus’ words, (Mk 13:13) “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (2Cor 4:8) So, you are troubled, but not distressed; you are perplexed, but not in despair; (vs.9) you are persecuted, but not forsaken; you are cast down, but not destroyed! (Mt 4:19) Jesus has said to you, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” In Jesus’ name, amen!