Vision180's 
When Attacks Come
‘Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.’ 2 Timothy 2:3 NKJV
There are two kinds of criticism: constructive criticism and destructive criticism. The first kind builds you up and the second tears you down. Constructive criticism, when founded in truth and delivered well, can be the key to moving forwards. Unfounded criticism can do the opposite. When those around you speak critically, or gossip about you, it can feel like it might get in the way of you following the path ahead of you. Be wise in how you respond to unfounded criticism and gossip. And note: when your critic wants to stay anonymous, they’re not worthy of your response.
DL Moody was an American evangelist who said, ‘If I take care of my character, God will take care of my reputation’ (see Isaiah 54:17). Any time you’re involved in a worthy cause, people will not only try to beat you down, but keep you down. In training Timothy for ministry, Paul told him to ‘endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.’
Difficult people are placed in our path not to defeat us, but to develop us. A good leader knows this, so they stay and finish the job regardless of the cost. Just like the captain goes down with the ship, the true leader stays until the work is done.
‘Then how should I respond?’ you’re probably thinking. By praying for them! Jesus said, ‘Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you… and you will be sons of the Most High.’ (Luke 6:28, 35 NKJV)
SoulFood: Acts 18–19, Matt 10:11–20, Ps 146, Pro 16:4–5
word4today an adaptation of The Word For Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright © 2019
