Proverbs 11:3 “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them”,
CRITICISM
The last point in the Modesto Manifesto is criticism. Billy Graham and friends vowed never to criticise those who criticised them. Criticism can be constructive or destructive. When it is constructive, it is done to correct with a loving love attitude. It is done in private mostly, not to score cheap point. Spiritual fathers, mentors and friends can do this. However, destructive criticism is done to destroy. It smears the image of the target. I want to believe that Billy and friends decided against the later.
In the pursuit of your vision, men like Sanbalat, Tobias and Geshem may arise. The devil raises destructive critics to discourage you from pursuing God's vision for your life. Discouragement is one of the tools of the enemy. Critics are his messengers. Nehemiah would have stopped his rebuilding project because of critical comments and mockery. "Tobiah the Ammonite, who was standing beside him, remarked, “That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!”(Nehemiah 4:3 NLT) This is mockery.
Do not expect everyone to understand your assignment. Destructive criticism spring from lack of understanding( about your vision) or hatred for your person and assignment. As Billy and friends decided, do not criticise your critics. You'll be wasting your energy trying to respond to everyone who criticise you. Jesus faced the fiercest opposition as a vision carrier. The Pharisees and Sadducees who should have understood that he was fulfilling prophecy stood against him. Your worst opposition may not come from without but from within. Learn not to throw bombs when they throw fire balls at you. Jesus said, "But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!"(Matthew5:44).
Father, I receive the grace to handle criticism with divine wisdom in Jesus name.