"Getting Through The Criticism!"

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John 16:33

33. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Jesus makes a profound statement to his disciples that, "In the world you shall have tribulations and trials and distress and frustration" all because "You are connected to Me!" 

For every believer, it is this "connection" that we have with Christ Jesus that is the reasoning for being targeted for adversities, tribulations, distress and many of the frustrations that we face in life. In fact, the adversities, distresses and frustrations that we (as believers) face in our lives are due to the direct effect of the criticism of others who do not understand us because we are different!

Understanding that being "born again" means that you are "different than the world", is to also understand that being different means that you are going to be criticized because you're going to run into opposition from others who oppose your faith and beliefs!

The question now becomes, "How Do I Get Past The Criticism Of Others?" When Bishop T.D. Jakes was asked the question, "What Do You Do When People Criticize You?" he simply replied, "I just don't listen to what they are saying about me!" Which makes a lot of senses. If you don't listen to what the haters are saying about you, the haters can't effect you with their hatred!

Jesus Christ (on the other hand), did not allow the criticism of others to deter Him from the work that He was sent to do. Rather than become distracted by the criticism of the haters who were constantly following Him trying to discredit Him and His earthly ministry, He didn't engage them in arguments or verbal conflicts, He simply challenged them to come up to the standards of what he was teaching!

This is a lesson to every believer on how to deal with the critics and the haters who constantly challenge and criticize your faith and belief in God. "Never argue with those who attack your beliefs and your faith. Simply challenge them to come up to the standards of your faith in God, and your belief of God by not only witnessing to them what God has done in your life, but also bringing them to remembrance of what God has done for "them" in their own lives!" 

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