Criticism

Perry Noble from New Spring has a post about unwarranted criticism from an anonymous (translated cowardly), Christian  blogger.  Amazing how one can lay down any sense of common kindness and tact in the name of being a “watchdog” for the Kingdom.  I went to the offending site and noticed that we are next in the crosshairs.  What joy…

I came across this quote from Seth Godin in his book Purple Cow and I thought about Perry when I read it:

“If you are remarkable, it’s likely that some people won’t like you.  That’s part of the definition of remarkable.  Nobody gets unanimous praise - ever.  The best the timid can hope for is to be unnoticed.  Criticism comes to those who stand out.”

Two thoughts about that:

1. Some criticism is warranted and helpful.  Another blogger took on our website.  They invited people to critique it.  Some of the comments were uncomplimentary and pretty direct.  Funny thing…I found myself agreeing with a few of them.  We need to change some things.  They were helpful criticisms.  Sometimes it’s helpful even when I disagree…makes me defend and think through my position.  For me, often the difference in warranted and un-warranted is the spirit it is given in.
2. I think the Holy Spirit used Godin to surface an unhealthy fear in my own life.  I have secretly cherished the years of “flying under the radar screen” as a pastor and as a church.  Just a quick Google search of high profile pastors and churches will unsurface entire websites devoted to tearing them down.  In America we love to create heroes…and we love to chop them down.  At times I have timidly shrunk back from assignments and challenges that might raise the profile of what we are doing…knowing that there might be benefit to the Kingdom…but also knowing that everyone wouldn’t like it.  If Paul tells Timothy that it wasn’t God that gave him a spirit of fear or timidity…then I’m pretty sure where it comes from.

Godin goes on to conclude “that we only face two choices: to be invisible, anonymous, uncriticized, and safe, or to take a chance at greatness…”

I’m glad the martyrs upon whose blood the church was built didn’t play it safe…hopefully we'll have the courage to do the same…

Comments

[Perry]

Greg,

Great insight dude! You put an incredibly positive spin on something that could have been taken as 100% negative. I appreciate all that you do dude!

I am still coming down that way one day--I PROMISE!

[julianna and joel]

Ok, Greg, joel and I have just started reading/enjoying the blogs this week! So, I will make a comment on this criticism post.
May I remind you about years ago, you spoke on john maxwell's book "Running with the Giants". Maxwell said not to be afraid to do something new, remembering that we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses (heb 12:1) cheering us on, not criticizing. I have to believe that despite the criticism from a few, there are uncountable saints cheering you and seacoast on as you take the Kingdom by "force". (matt 11:12)
It's been so fun to post!!

[dee]

It’s hard to open yourself up and show up on the radar. Very courageous.It's hard for me to imagine perfect strangers taking pot shots.
I really do pray for you'll everyday.

[Joseph]

I got a lot from this message. Good seed was planted. I like how God spoke in Jeremiah 12:5. "If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?" And again in James 1:3-4, "You know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." It's just hard to believe sometimes.

[Jane Cooper]

Greg:
I did something NEW this weekend too...I watched your message via the internet!! 'Still nothing better than a live performance!!! God is working through Seacoast in wonderful ways and I feel that you are really allowing God to speak more candidly, yet, lovingly through you. Keep it up. Regarding criticism, when I was growing up and would be upset by it my mom would always say "just remember, if they are talking about you, that means they are leaving someone else alone!!"
Great news about your daughter's hearing!! God Bless you and your family. Have fun making memories this Thanksgiving!!!

[Don Fort]

Greg, let me offer a little exercise in using google. See how many hits you get with the search terms: negative web sites, "Mother Teresa". Then substitiute for "Mother Teresa", "Girl Scouts", "Boy Scouts", "George Bush", "lightweights" and any few other laudable people or institutions. We have a few too many with a burr under their saddle and an anonymous route to vent themselves.

As for me and my house, we shall follow the Lord. We've shaken the dust off our sandals after too long a sojurn in an established local church to find a place where we can flourish and grow to His honor and glory. Thank you for following the vision you recieved.

[Holly Annibale]

Greg,
Funny it's taken me so long to check out your blog; and I choose the most hectic time of the year to do it! Was actually trying to find the appropriate place to forward something I thought you would appreciate, and found this posting of yours. My comment here is: You're WAY above the radar screen buddy. Actually, the Audio Success Series "PURPOSE - Inspiration & Enlightenment From Today's Top Motivators" includes your CD on 'Expresso Faith', describing you as (and I quote) one of "the nations leading spiritual leaders". So, there you have it. On days when you are walking on shaky ground, remember this description. You are in the company of Jim Reeve, Bill Hybels, Paul Goulet & Tom Mullens. THEN, on days when your other 1/2 thinks your feet are leaving solid ground, she can remind you that Rick was not among those included in the audio set; and, hmm, why is it selling at Costco? :-)
You're still one of MY heroes!