Thinkaloud | criticism

Affirming leaders

The cause of Jesus Christ is greatly hindered by the grumbling, the criticisms and the shameless character assassination, which is part of the conversation of too many Christians. Of course this is not to state that the majority of Christians are gossiping backbiters, but it is to recognize that some who profess to follow Jesus are - by their sullen spirit - working unwittingly for Satan rather than for the Lord.

Leaders in particular are exposed to criticism; the high profile nature of their position makes them vulnerable. Yet how often they are unfairly given motives that they have not even dreamed about. Their critics reduce greatly the effectiveness of the leaders by the carping and negative criticism, which is only destructive.

No leader is perfect; all leaders make wrong decisions at times, and they are usually the first to admit it. Yet if leaders are people of God who are guided by the Holy Spirit, their leadership must be accepted in the spirit in which it is given. Is it not true, though, that in some instances leaders’ decisions and directives are analyzed with a critical, grumbling spirit, which poisons the grumbler as well as those under his or her authority?

The Lord’s work is stifled by such attitudes, which do nothing but breed discontent and lead the negative thinkers into further sin. For the Bible clearly states that, God is not pleased at sullen dissatisfaction and counts it as sin, which is to be confessed, repented of and forgiven.

The story in Numbers 16 is a case in point. The leadership of Moses and Aaron was challenged by disloyal and dissatisfied Israelites who unfairly accused God’s appointed leaders of taking too much authority. God looked upon this rebellion as serious, as thousands of lives were taken and the nation was almost destroyed. Later, Samuel, speaking prophetically for the Lord, said to the erring King Saul, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft . . .” (1 Samuel 15: 23).

Churches, organizations, marriages and homes all can be affected by rebellion against those whom God has appointed to lead. On the other hand, great blessing and joy and guidance come to Christians who turn such feelings over to God and who learn obedience. “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account . . .” (Hebrews 13:17).

Am I then suggesting that Christians should be “yes men or women,” weak doormats who accept whatever is decided for them “in the name of the Lord”? Are they never to question authority? What if the leader is wrong; is not the cause greater than any individual - even the leader?

Leaders who are truly guided by the Holy Spirit, and who themselves are subject to a system of accountability, know that their work is not theirs; it is the Lord’s. And because the Lord has called every Christian to the “priesthood of all believers,” the sensitive leader realizes that the best ideas may well come from others. Such leaders are willing and eager to discuss and debate ideas, which are positively and constructively presented.

If every Christian prayed for those in authority every time there is a temptation to criticize, the work of the Kingdom would flourish. People are never the enemy; destructive and negative attitudes, which are inspired by Satan, are the real enemy.

Writer: Lieut.-Colonel Maxwell Ryan is a former Editor in Chief in Canada and the UK. In retirement he is a copy editor of theRubicon and the author of theRubicon series called Resurrected Writers.

4 Comments to Thinkaloud | criticism

1. this is a great point! I have really recognized in my life a tendency towards criticism and a lack of affirmation… I’ve been intentionally trying to correct the imbalance and bless instead of curse… to jump to the best possible conclusion before the worst and to assume good things from and of my leaders… criticism, cynicism and constant critique is tiresome and lifeless. Any ideas of how to further the effort?
Danielle Strickland on November 2nd, 2008

2. Colonel,

   In my heart of hearts, I agree with what you are saying. I try, as Danielle says, to correct the imbalances of such talk in my own life and communication. I do want to point out, however that the Army is “blessed” with some in leadership who are unfortunate examples in cynicism and critism. And it doesn’t necessarily end there.

   General Gowans gave a powerful anaology several years ago that has never left the forefront of my memory. He said that the Devil would never come to the Army (or anyone for that matter) and attempt to convince its leaders to turn about face. The Devil will consistently whisper in our ears and convince us to turn ever so slightly, bit by bit so that before we realized it, he had successfully turned us around. This is done through criticism as you’ve outlined above and through the criticism and lack of faith shown by leaders in Salvationists - officers and soldiers alike. It is also accomplished through errant and misguided policy and procedure…but that is a topic for another day.
Rob on November 2nd, 2008

3. Colonel Max:

   Good post. Had a few quibbles that I will do my best to reformulate as good faith observations.

   My issue, I guess, is not with individuals who offer straightforward criticism that they own and stand behind, but with those who grumble and could be said to pretend to follow the leader. I suppose it’s a difference between a grudging compliance that does the minimum that can be got away with and willing obedience that acknowledges that while things could be done differently coming together is best for the good of the whole.

   Thanks

   Andrea
Andrea614Regent on November 3rd, 2008

4. Thanks for the comments, Danielle, Rob and Andrea. Disagreement with policy and procedures is healthy interaction when it is done without a rancorous spirit, devoid of humility. What I am talking about is the judgmental spirit that is always destructive. James puts it well in 4: 6 - 12. Scripture is clear that we are to pray for “those in authority over us”. Such prayer is always for obedience to God’s revealed will. And if we find ourselves nursing such a critical spirit? Immediate confession of sin and repentance is the way forward. Sorry if this sounds like a sermon. I’m just sharing what I’ve learned through my own fumblings and foibles. But the indwelling Holy Spirit will guide. No question about that!
Maxwell Ryan on November 3rd, 2008

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