This post picks up from Friday’s post. Check it out first if you haven’t read it yet.
Lately, it seems like I’ve been receiving a lot of complaints and criticisms. And yes…even ugly, anonymous letters (another blog post for another day).
“You spend too much time with that student.”
“I feel disconnected in your student ministry. You suck.”
“You don’t care about some students more than others.”
“The other local youth pastors do it this way.”
“I don’t like the way you teach the Bible.”
I’m not sure what the critics say in your context, but in my youth ministry context, this is what I’m hearing lately.
If you’re not spiritually prepared to think Biblically about these comments and how to respond, you’ll end up in a very unhealthy place. It is easier than you think to dwell on the comments that are made about you. You have to remember what’s true about you and the God who created you.
In order to do that, you have to go to the source of truth.
“I am a member of the body of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27
“I am adopted as a child of God.” – Ephesians 1:3-8
“I am the temple of God.” – 1 Corinthians 3:16
“I am God’s workmanship.” – Ephesians 2:10
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
“I am a new creation in Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
“I am filled with the divine nature of Christ.” – 2 Peter 1:4
“I am a priest and a holy nation.” – 1 Peter 2:9-10
“Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ.” – Romans 8:38-39
“I have been given spiritual gifts that have prepared me to serve others.” – 1 Corinthians 12:7
“I can resist the devil.” – 1 Peter 5:9
“God offers me true life through Jesus.” – John 10:10
“Satan is not all-powerful.” – Revelation 20:10
“Jesus has already won the war!” – Revelation 22:12-13
If God has made you promises in your life, you can count on that! Critics will come and go. Their words may stay a bit longer. But you can always trust in the words of our Savior!
