How to discern between instruction and criticism
As ministry leaders, we get a lot of feedback on how we operate and even who we are. To sort through it all, we must learn to differentiate instruction from criticism.
Being able to decipher will save you so much time and energy! Because ultimately, you want to weed out the criticism and create breathing room to learn from the instruction. But how do you know which is which?
Criticism often comes from someone who has an impure motive for sharing their thoughts. They have likely not prayed before speaking, and therefore their words hold no eternal wisdom or value for you. You'll probably get a sense of this when they deliver their words—unkind, angry, or selfish.
The words of a critic will likely condemn.
- "You aren't doing that right."
- "What were you thinking?"
- "How dare you."
This feedback doesn't come from the right place but rather from one of insecurity, pride, or envy. In such cases, it's not worth your time and energy. Because as we all know, there will always be critics, but they don't have to steal your purpose.
People of instruction, on the other hand, have prayed through their words. The insight often comes from someone you know and trust. And their approach is one of love, grace, and concern.
The critics will drain you, but the instructors will fill you with life-giving wisdom. This is why, when it comes to instruction, you want to be open to those moments.
Unfortunately, at times, leaders can dangerously fall into echo chambers of what they want to hear. But a good leader is open to the feedback and instruction from godly people they trust.
In Acts 18:24-28, there is a man named Apollos who is devoted to God, knowledgeable in Old Testament Scriptures, and a disciple of John the Baptist. He was excited about sharing God with the lost and seemed to be on the right track.
Priscilla and Aquila had the opportunity to hear Apollos teach and noticed some missing theology about critical Christian truths. They lovingly pulled him aside and shared with him these truths of the risen Christ so that moving forward, his teaching would be stronger.
Apollos could have pushed back and cited his knowledge of the Scriptures or his time being discipled by John. He could have refused to listen and kept doing what he was doing.
But he didn't. Instead, Apollos received the instruction and implemented it. He embraced the correction, wove it into how he operated moving forward, and allowed it to make him a more effective witness.
I implore you to be a leader who is open to instruction. When a trusted source prayerfully shares insight or feedback with you, receive it with openness. Take those words into your time with God and ask Him to speak to you. Inquire how you might grow.
Sometimes as leaders, we block out instruction and wisdom from others. Be the person who is open to growth. It will benefit you, your team, and your organization.
 | Brittany Rust has a passion to see people impacted by the power of God’s Word and the beauty of His grace through writing, speaking and podcasting. She is the founder of Truth and Grace Ministries, For the Mama Heart and Truth x Grace Women, and hosts the Truth x Grace Podcast. She is the author of two books, including Here I Am: Responding When God Calls Your Name (2019) and Untouchable: Unraveling the Myth That You’re Too Faithful to Fall (2018). Learn More » |
More on Conflict & Criticism
- Unique problems grow you uniquely (by Richard Blackaby)
- They tried to quiet Charlie Kirk—but the gospel still speaks (by Bob Russell)
- The power of an unoffendable heart (by Tom Crenshaw)
- How did Jesus deal with animosity? (by Chris Bolinger)
