“There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.”
Aristotle
Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.
Nehemiah 6:19
Why do I bother? Has that thought ever crossed your mind? Just the other day I messaged a friend and asked how is it that I can go so quickly from feeling good about my progress to a deflated balloon in mere minutes. I realized the answer as I was researching today’s blog post. The enemy doesn’t like progress.
Identify the Messenger
You see I was feeling good because I was making some progress in my financial and writing goals. I hadn’t made any substantial jumps, but I had completed the next steps toward my goals. Enter the mail. I went out to the mailbox to find a bill, which is not uncommon; however, it included a bit of a threat. It was worded in such a way that didn’t strike me so much with fear as distress and shame, like all of my progress was in vain.
For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
Nehemiah 6:9
Nehemiah was making far greater progress than I was. He had rebuilt the walls and gates, and he was trying to get the people back on the right track spiritually as they continued the work. Enter the mail. A messenger delivered a letter accusing him of rebellion. They had already sent four other letters trying to tempt him to halt the work to come meet with them. Nehemiah had seen through their attempts to keep him from finishing the work and desire to harm him, so now they upped their game. They started a rumor, a dangerous one, but Nehemiah continued on.
12 And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.
Nehemiah 6:12-13
Identify the Purpose
Then, Shemaiah told him that he should go to the temple to hide because the enemy was going to kill him. Nehemiah refused. He realized that to run and hide out of fear was a sin. If he had done so, then they would have a reason to accuse him. The enemy will do whatever he can to stop the work of God even if it is just progress in our personal spiritual growth. A growing Christian trying to be obedient to God is a serious threat to the enemy. He will try any little trick that he can. Criticism and fear are two of his favorite weapons. As Aristotle pointed out, if you aren’t being criticized, then you probably aren’t doing anything of any worth.
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Ephesians 4:14-15
Respond Accordingly
In the last couple of years as I have intentionally worked at building my writing as I felt lead by God, I have been on the receiving end of criticism and false accusations. Most of them were anonymous. At first I was upset and worried that I had done something wrong. After praying about it, God showed me that it wasn’t from Him. God’s words of correction come from a place of love not anger, and He makes it clear that it comes from Him.
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.
Isaiah 54:17
So, as Christians we need to strive to speak from love and not out of anger. It’s not easy, and I fail about as much as I succeed, but progress is the greatest fear of the enemy. So, let’s fight from a place of strength, as someone said this week. Let’s keep moving forward and helping each other along, trying to speak from love and not anger. Let’s celebrate the little wins. Let’s NOT allow the enemy to take the wind out of our sails or the air out of our balloons. Remember a baby step of progress makes the enemy nervous, so just keep stepping forward and “Don’t Give Up.”
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A God Kind of Crazy – Never Give Up
Amen Ms. Linda. It’s in the growing (progress) that fruit is produced young lady. Satan, an already defeated foe, is fighting a “slash and burn retreat” campaign. He knows he’s lost already, but his goal isn’t to gain anyone new, it’s to make your testimony ineffective. He does that through Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD). I know because I let it control my life for many years. I know how effective it is because I learned to use it in the business world to gain competitive advantages for many years. Here’s the secret I’m continuing to learn and refine; much like the words of the song you feature above, we must remember to whom we belong. We are no longer of this world my young friend. As you young people are prone to say today. REPRESENT! It drives Satan crazy and makes his efforts ineffective. Psalm 139:14 my friend.
We all have this same enemy. I love the scriptures you shared. They are our arsenal against despair and fear.
Thank you, dear Linda, for the reminder we’re in a battle as writers for the Kingdom. You encouraged me.
Blessings as you continue the good words for Him – Wendy Mac 🕊️