Dealing With Criticism

WEBVTT100:00:00.560 --> 00:00:05.759I Am Yours, I am yours, I am yours, and me,200:00:06.160 --> 00:00:11.470Lord, I am yours. Iwelcome to the Gospel Center per life podcast.300:00:11.630 --> 00:00:14.310As you're out there on the sidewalkdoing ministry, you're going to deal400:00:14.349 --> 00:00:18.269with criticism from all kinds of angles. We're going to talk today about how500:00:18.269 --> 00:00:26.260to deal with that criticism. Staywith us. I felt show passish,600:00:27.260 --> 00:00:36.530touch your heart. Use Me.Welcome to the Gospel Center per life podcast.700:00:36.609 --> 00:00:39.810Appreciate you, guys, joining usand we're going to try to get800:00:39.810 --> 00:00:44.689right into our subject, a subjectthat really sprung out of some conversations that900:00:44.810 --> 00:00:47.850you, Vicki, had with someof our local volunteers here, as a1000:00:48.090 --> 00:00:51.600lot of these podcasts do, theseare right situations that we face. People1100:00:51.759 --> 00:00:55.560reach out to US v Email andstuff like that and put questions out there,1200:00:56.159 --> 00:01:00.679but most of it's kind of likeDaytoday, ministering and encouraging our local1300:01:00.679 --> 00:01:03.510volunteers, seeing the stuff that theystruggle with, especially the relational stuff,1400:01:03.549 --> 00:01:07.989how to fight discouragement. We've donepodcast about that, podcast about just other1500:01:08.069 --> 00:01:12.390subjects along these lines, kind ofrelational stuff. Yeah, and this is1600:01:12.629 --> 00:01:15.230is no different than one of thosesubjects. This is how to deal with1700:01:15.349 --> 00:01:21.579criticism right and it's going to come, if it hasn't already come to you,1800:01:21.700 --> 00:01:23.900guys that are listening, whether youagain be local volunteers with us or1900:01:25.540 --> 00:01:29.659missionaries around the country, around theworld or just people get involved in sidewalk2000:01:29.739 --> 00:01:33.250ministry, people are going to criticizewhat you do. Hey, there's a2100:01:33.290 --> 00:01:37.530lot of context in which they mightcriticize you. There's a I mean we2200:01:37.609 --> 00:01:42.329got social media, all kinds ofsocial media platforms. We've got obviously personal2300:01:42.569 --> 00:01:46.049relationships with people, or there's acontext where they can criticize us, your2400:01:46.129 --> 00:01:49.959relationship with people at Church. Sopeople can criticize you. They got all2500:01:51.040 --> 00:01:57.239kinds of methods to criticize you inthis that's right, and criticism can can2600:01:57.319 --> 00:02:02.030be certainly discouraging and I think itis one of the reasons why some folks2700:02:02.150 --> 00:02:07.629stop coming to the sidewalk right andand it was two counselors in one week2800:02:07.909 --> 00:02:14.349that came to me and said howare you out there for all these years,2900:02:14.629 --> 00:02:20.419that many times a week and dealwith the criticism? Specific question on3000:02:20.620 --> 00:02:23.219how I dealt with that and Ithought, you know, we discussed a3100:02:23.259 --> 00:02:30.729little bit right before we started thisthat we don't really feel like we care3200:02:30.889 --> 00:02:34.330much about criticism any more out onthe sidewalk, but I think I did3300:02:34.569 --> 00:02:38.930more when I was less secure thatI knew what I was doing or that3400:02:39.050 --> 00:02:43.810it was effective, and also justknew when I was new. Yeah,3500:02:43.969 --> 00:02:47.800absolutely, and you know in ourwalk with the Lord, I mean there's3600:02:47.840 --> 00:02:53.840criticisms that come down the pipeline.I am I'm a pentecostal believer. Yeah,3700:02:53.919 --> 00:02:57.800might be surprised at that, butI believe in the gifts of the3800:02:57.840 --> 00:03:00.229spear it. Yeah, now,now I'm not like in kind of the3900:03:00.349 --> 00:03:04.030weird vein. Maybe I am probablyto some of you people, to some4000:03:04.110 --> 00:03:06.189people, you are saying that I'mgoing to cost. It was weird.4100:03:06.270 --> 00:03:10.750But I've gotten criticism because I wassaved in a Baptist Church and I love4200:03:12.150 --> 00:03:15.460Baptist people. I was man upthat one of my well, my accountability4300:03:16.139 --> 00:03:20.099Guy, who I meet within amonthly basis, is a baptist preacher.4400:03:20.539 --> 00:03:23.699Okay, awesome man of God,and so I don't have any problem with4500:03:23.780 --> 00:03:29.810that. But I have gotten criticismfrom people in my past also criticism from4600:03:29.810 --> 00:03:32.930people even now of my beliefs inthe gifts of the spirit or things like4700:03:34.009 --> 00:03:37.729that. Baptism, Holy Spirit.Hey, and so I think criticism,4800:03:38.530 --> 00:03:42.439I say all that to say,is a common theme no matter what.4900:03:45.039 --> 00:03:49.960Realm of Christian ministry walk with theLord, whatever life. Yeah, I5000:03:50.039 --> 00:03:53.759mean you, you are going toget criticized, whether you're in ministry or5100:03:53.840 --> 00:03:58.909not. In learning to deal wellwith criticism is important. And even as5200:03:58.949 --> 00:04:03.430an unbeliever, MMM, criticism isa part of life dealing with people in5300:04:03.550 --> 00:04:06.870a fallen world. You're a fallenperson yourself. We see, as Paul5400:04:06.909 --> 00:04:12.379says, we see in a glassdimly, like we don't see everything perfectly.5500:04:12.539 --> 00:04:15.339And Hey, and unfortunately there aresome people that think they do see5600:04:15.339 --> 00:04:18.939everything perfectly, and those are alot of times the people that are very5700:04:18.980 --> 00:04:25.290critical. But also we have toacknowledge that criticism being a normal part of5800:04:25.490 --> 00:04:30.449life. Sometimes criticism is necessary.Like we need what they might call constructive5900:04:30.529 --> 00:04:35.370criticism. If we're never open toany kind of criticism at all, that6000:04:35.569 --> 00:04:39.959speaks more about us and it doesabout the people that are critiquing us.6100:04:40.000 --> 00:04:43.720Right. Yeah, we need tobe open and at least here out,6200:04:44.040 --> 00:04:47.279I think, if people criticize youfor your ministry on the sidewalk, at6300:04:47.319 --> 00:04:51.519least here it out. But Ithink we'll get into more this in depth6400:04:51.800 --> 00:04:57.589criticism and people's opinion of you can'tbe what defined you. Right. Got6500:04:57.709 --> 00:05:00.189To be defined by what God says. Yeah, and and, like you6600:05:00.230 --> 00:05:06.110said, you're going to face criticismfrom all parts of life, not not6700:05:06.459 --> 00:05:12.500just in ministry, but in ina this kind of ministry, and the6800:05:13.139 --> 00:05:18.139very strong feelings of the opposition,the socalled pro choice people, versus the6900:05:18.500 --> 00:05:27.689pro life people. The criticism issometimes very, yeah, very significant.7000:05:27.730 --> 00:05:30.449Yeah, absolutely harsh. Yeah,and I think you were the one that7100:05:30.569 --> 00:05:35.920I first heard say this and Ithought it was so true. That there's7200:05:36.000 --> 00:05:43.240IT. It starts off at reallyat an attempt to discourage. Yeah,7300:05:43.319 --> 00:05:47.160and and you said, I.You said to someone when that is ineffective,7400:05:47.600 --> 00:05:54.509when they're not able to discourage,then the criticism moves into intimidation,7500:05:54.589 --> 00:05:59.470right, and that really stuck withme because that is true. Yeah,7600:06:00.269 --> 00:06:05.540it can escalate and that definitely thecriticism that has turned into intimidation is is7700:06:05.819 --> 00:06:10.300much harder, yeah, to dealwith out on the sidebox. Yeah.7800:06:10.420 --> 00:06:13.259Yeah. So, yeah, andall of that's designed, especially, like7900:06:13.379 --> 00:06:15.860you said, from the quote prochoice pact, which we know are pro8000:06:15.939 --> 00:06:19.410abortion people. Right, all ofthat criticism and all of these really it's8100:06:19.410 --> 00:06:25.370accusations that are thrown at us.Is designed to discourage us. Right.8200:06:25.410 --> 00:06:28.529And if you talk about the worddiscouragement, like to explain it in the8300:06:28.610 --> 00:06:31.649terms of courage. Right, that'sthat's the root word of discourage is courage,8400:06:32.079 --> 00:06:34.720and to discourage someone is to knockthe courage out of you. Right,8500:06:34.879 --> 00:06:39.120I have never thought of that.Never thought of that. Well,8600:06:39.199 --> 00:06:42.360that that is really good. Theywant it's discourage, they want to take8700:06:42.439 --> 00:06:46.230the courage out of you. Andthe devil uses criticism to get the courage8800:06:46.269 --> 00:06:49.670out of us. Right. Andso, as kind of a side notes8900:06:49.870 --> 00:06:54.269all of you guys that are involvedin ministry, we've got to be intentional9000:06:54.470 --> 00:06:58.230with each other, with people therewere ministering alongside, to do the best9100:06:58.269 --> 00:07:01.459we can to encourage right, becausewe get it from the pro abortion people,9200:07:01.540 --> 00:07:05.620this discouragement, this criticism. You'rethis, you're that, you're not9300:07:05.819 --> 00:07:09.139this, you're not that. Whydon't you do this? Why don't you9400:07:09.180 --> 00:07:11.579do that? You could do thisbetter, you could do that better.9500:07:11.620 --> 00:07:15.850We get all of that from thepro choice people. But, as you9600:07:16.089 --> 00:07:20.490have in this article that were kindof using as our format here, the9700:07:20.649 --> 00:07:26.009most difficult criticism to deal with isnot from the pro choice people because we9800:07:26.050 --> 00:07:30.399recognize the spirit that thereof. It'sreally from other Christians. Yeah, and9900:07:30.519 --> 00:07:32.120that's what happen. Yeah, youknow, I talked a little bit about10000:07:32.120 --> 00:07:35.959kind of my background and some ofthe criticism I've gotten in my walk with10100:07:36.120 --> 00:07:42.839God and you know, the thethe pentecostal angle. I guess that that,10200:07:42.959 --> 00:07:46.269I feel like is in the wordof God that I've gotten criticism for10300:07:46.350 --> 00:07:50.790that and for alignment with the crazinessof Pentecostals or whatever. Yeah, and10400:07:51.949 --> 00:07:56.550that's been pretty discouraging from people because, you know, a lot of times10500:07:56.629 --> 00:08:01.339criticism from other believers comes from fromreally just ignorance or heard from somebody,10600:08:01.379 --> 00:08:05.660that heard from somebody. And,as it pertains to Sydebalg Ministry, a10700:08:05.740 --> 00:08:11.300lot of the cris criticisms that I'veheard from other believers really are most almost10800:08:11.420 --> 00:08:16.569parenting. Like pro choice people.Sometimes they do ask the same things.10900:08:16.769 --> 00:08:22.009They they why don't you feel thatthere's a better way to reach these women?11000:08:22.050 --> 00:08:26.649I hear that all the time,don't you it? Shouldn't you be11100:08:26.560 --> 00:08:33.240at pregnancy resource centers or or,you know, or showing with your life11200:08:33.799 --> 00:08:37.399as opposed to with your words?Yeah, what? What? And sometimes11300:08:37.440 --> 00:08:41.710you like these people? Just talkto these pro boorts and get their criticisms11400:08:41.710 --> 00:08:45.870and their ideas about criticism and howthey could critique us from the pro abortion11500:08:45.909 --> 00:08:48.909people. And you know, Idon't want to, I don't want to11600:08:48.950 --> 00:08:54.789put those people in the same campstogether, but I do know that a11700:08:54.870 --> 00:09:00.620lot of times the criticisms that comedown the pipeline come from worldly sources and11800:09:00.740 --> 00:09:03.059people heard it from somebody. Youright, you're out there yelling at women11900:09:03.100 --> 00:09:07.820and right harassing and shaming people andall that. Yeah, and when I12000:09:07.860 --> 00:09:11.169have a believer accused me of that, somebody that know that love Jesus,12100:09:11.850 --> 00:09:16.409I'll ask them the question. Haveyou ever been out there on the sidewalk12200:09:16.649 --> 00:09:20.169and in variously next to one ofour counselors? Yeah, because if you12300:09:20.289 --> 00:09:24.440have, promise you, all thestuff that you're saying is really as accusations12400:09:24.440 --> 00:09:28.080as criticisms you're going to see orjust just false. So come out.12500:09:28.120 --> 00:09:33.320That's always my encouragement. Right,come out stand with one of our teams.12600:09:33.399 --> 00:09:35.240Now it may be that they've beenout to an abortion center, they've12700:09:35.240 --> 00:09:39.870seen, you know, other peopledoing it some way or whatever, but12800:09:39.950 --> 00:09:43.549I promise you, if you'd comeout and stand with some of our counselors12900:09:43.590 --> 00:09:48.029out here. You're going to seea, I believe, consistent, Biblical13000:09:48.870 --> 00:09:54.700Really Ministry on the sidewalk that's consistentwith the scripture, not just harassing people13100:09:54.860 --> 00:09:58.340or, you know whatever, condemningand all that other stuff. You're going13200:09:58.340 --> 00:10:03.899to see a biblically consistent ministry anda lot of your criticisms are going to13300:10:03.940 --> 00:10:07.649be shown as false actual. Yeah. Now, sometimes I have had people13400:10:07.769 --> 00:10:11.970come down to to talk with mewhen they've been listening for a while.13500:10:13.049 --> 00:10:16.730Yeah, and they come and say, I'm a Christian, I want to13600:10:16.809 --> 00:10:20.649start with that. I I'm prolife and I'm a Christian, but this13700:10:20.970 --> 00:10:26.759is I hate what you're doing.Yeah, and they start to quote or13800:10:26.840 --> 00:10:31.600what they think are Biblical Commandments,which they're not. The people you mean13900:10:31.720 --> 00:10:35.070people that are at the abortion arethat may be brought a friend an abortion14000:10:35.309 --> 00:10:39.830no, no, actually, I'mthinking of where this last happened, was14100:10:39.909 --> 00:10:45.990at an abortion center off of wendover where there are clients from all other14200:10:46.110 --> 00:10:48.110things. They're not just, therefore, to walk into the abortion side of14300:10:48.149 --> 00:10:52.019there's other businesses there. Yeah,so they they have seen, they've observed14400:10:52.419 --> 00:10:58.299and they they actually think they knowwhat's going on there and and they accuse14500:10:58.779 --> 00:11:03.929out of what they believe the Biblesays. But when they enter into a14600:11:05.490 --> 00:11:09.889discussion for any length of time aboutwhat the Bible really says, as we14700:11:11.009 --> 00:11:16.049turn to scripture and use it asvalidation for what we're doing, they invariably14800:11:16.809 --> 00:11:22.600tend to calm down and agree.So I think sometimes that criticism is coming.14900:11:22.840 --> 00:11:28.159They have seen what happens at anabortion center and even with with what15000:11:28.320 --> 00:11:33.789I believe our good ambassadors of theLord if on the pro life side.15100:11:33.230 --> 00:11:39.590But they they have not really examinedwhat God has to say about speaking for15200:11:39.750 --> 00:11:45.470the unborn or holding back those whoare on a path of destruction. So15300:11:45.950 --> 00:11:48.299yeah, I mean a lot ofthe criticisms that come from fellow believers come15400:11:48.419 --> 00:11:54.500from a place of just really beand disciple by the world and the world's15500:11:54.539 --> 00:11:56.620mentalities. Yeah, and I thinkthat's where we need to listen to those15600:11:56.659 --> 00:12:01.529criticisms and then come back with scripturegraciously right and say well, actually,15700:12:01.730 --> 00:12:05.649kind of like the thou shalt notjudge, you know you're out here judging15800:12:05.690 --> 00:12:07.610people or whatever. Here it allthe time and heard all the time.15900:12:07.929 --> 00:12:11.610Obviously we hear it from people whoprofessed to be Christians that are not.16000:12:11.769 --> 00:12:15.330I mean, they're going in tokill their children, so obviously they're not16100:12:15.450 --> 00:12:18.240Christians. Right, at least they'rebackslidden in their opinions. Don't really hold16200:12:18.279 --> 00:12:20.200a lot of weight with me,to be honest with you. Yeah,16300:12:20.399 --> 00:12:24.799but when there are genuine Christians thatcome and that say that thing, that16400:12:24.120 --> 00:12:28.159sort of thing, we shouldn't judgeand that sort of thing, I'll ask16500:12:28.159 --> 00:12:33.750a few questions about what Jesus saidabout judging and about what we as believers16600:12:33.830 --> 00:12:37.070should we judge certain behavior, andthen I kind of like to break down16700:12:37.110 --> 00:12:43.029that kind of I guess I thinkit's a biblical dichotomy of judging, which16800:12:43.029 --> 00:12:46.340we are called to do, Biblesays the righteous man judges all things,16900:12:46.659 --> 00:12:50.379and then being judgmental, which iswhat we're called not to be. Right,17000:12:50.419 --> 00:12:52.779we're not called to be judgmental writingpeople off and saying that there's no17100:12:52.899 --> 00:12:56.379hope for them because they're doing sinsthat we're not committing or whatever. We're17200:12:56.379 --> 00:13:01.450also not supposed to be hypocritical right, judging people for doing things that we17300:13:01.490 --> 00:13:05.129ourselves are doing. Yeah, butwe all call to make judgments, and17400:13:05.210 --> 00:13:09.490so I'll in those times where I'mbeing criticized for being judgmental or judging and17500:13:09.570 --> 00:13:15.039all this other stuff, I'll takethe time to disciple people and really what17600:13:15.120 --> 00:13:18.080the Bible says, giving analogies andthings like that. Like when you're driving17700:13:18.120 --> 00:13:22.559down the road someone slams on breaks, you make a judgment at that moment.17800:13:24.000 --> 00:13:26.480Yeah, not just that person isan idiot. You might make that17900:13:26.519 --> 00:13:28.789judgment too, but you make ajudgment. They're slowing down at a pace18000:13:30.269 --> 00:13:33.830that I can't handle unless I'll slowdown as well. Right and judgments and18100:13:33.950 --> 00:13:39.870making judgments is a everyday part oflife. We assess behavior and we do18200:13:41.190 --> 00:13:45.779things or we respond in appropriate manner. So when we assess the behavior of18300:13:45.860 --> 00:13:50.220abortion killing children, then we haveto in our lives, make adjustments that18400:13:50.419 --> 00:13:54.340coincide with the reality of what's goingon, and that's why I'm out here18500:13:54.620 --> 00:14:00.049speaking against the murder of innocent children. Yeah, yeah, so it is.18600:14:00.929 --> 00:14:05.690It's not pleasant. But when criticismis leveled at us, you've exed,18700:14:05.850 --> 00:14:11.720you've told US rightfully, that wecan use that as an opportunity to18800:14:11.840 --> 00:14:16.279help lead others that claim to bebelievers to a closer relationship with God,18900:14:18.360 --> 00:14:24.870or we can steer people who don'tknow the Lord into what is truth,19000:14:26.309 --> 00:14:33.110Biblical truth. But but it isdefinitely not an easy issue. Yeah,19100:14:33.110 --> 00:14:37.899I get it when these new counselorscall me and say I just go home19200:14:39.220 --> 00:14:43.299feeling battered. I do too sometimes. I mean we are, we're being19300:14:43.700 --> 00:14:50.940battered, sometimes by by certainly bythe opposition, and so we wanted to19400:14:50.980 --> 00:14:56.889talk in this podcast about, well, are there strategies, things that we19500:14:58.009 --> 00:15:05.210can do to not necessarily shield ourselvesfrom criticism, because that's not going to19600:15:05.250 --> 00:15:11.559happen right, but can we respondin ways that glorify God and help us19700:15:11.799 --> 00:15:18.200to come unscathed off the sidewalk andnot take it personally, not take it19800:15:18.399 --> 00:15:24.389home and not make it become somethingthat keeps us from returning? And one19900:15:24.429 --> 00:15:28.830of the first things I know thatI will tell new counselors when they say20000:15:28.830 --> 00:15:33.350I just I just don't want tobe go back, and I remind them,20100:15:33.389 --> 00:15:37.019well, where, where is thatspirit of criticism coming from? Is20200:15:37.220 --> 00:15:41.019is that coming from God or isthat coming from Satan? And if it's20300:15:41.139 --> 00:15:46.179to discourage you from coming back andyou don't come back, who did you20400:15:46.340 --> 00:15:50.570just hand the victory to? Right, and I think that's important for all20500:15:50.610 --> 00:15:54.730of us. That helps me toremember no matter what they throw at me,20600:15:56.370 --> 00:16:02.690if I if they successfully discourage meto the point where I don't return,20700:16:03.409 --> 00:16:07.320then I've just given Satan the victory, and I hate Satan yes,20800:16:07.480 --> 00:16:12.360so much that I will do anythingin my power to prevent giving him any20900:16:12.399 --> 00:16:15.639kind of a victory. Yeah,I mean, I think one of the21000:16:18.240 --> 00:16:23.110most central principles here with criticism,accusations and things like that that we deal21100:16:23.149 --> 00:16:29.789with is to not take it personal. Right, because when we begin to21200:16:29.830 --> 00:16:36.220take it personal and we think thiscriticism is just about us personally, we21300:16:36.340 --> 00:16:41.740internalize that and the devil can reallyhave a heyday with our mind. And21400:16:41.779 --> 00:16:48.250I think also understanding, like whatwhat we're actually coming against, like really21500:16:48.730 --> 00:16:55.330grappling with the reality that abortion ischild killing. I get it's killing innocent21600:16:55.370 --> 00:17:00.330children. That's what they're doing insideof that building and that we're responding in21700:17:00.769 --> 00:17:04.079an appropriate manner and it doesn't matter. It it be like being in front21800:17:04.319 --> 00:17:10.519of a daycare where MOMS are bringingin there two year olds and they're being21900:17:10.640 --> 00:17:14.519slaughtered and their precious little bodies arebeing burned in in the cenerator. Yeah,22000:17:14.880 --> 00:17:18.029and we know that and it's happeningin our city and we're standing there22100:17:18.910 --> 00:17:22.710and we're trying to respond appropriately,we're pleading with those moms not to do22200:17:22.910 --> 00:17:26.269that, and someone comes along saysshe'd really be yelling at those people.22300:17:26.470 --> 00:17:29.430She did. You would be raisingyour voice giving you don't know what's going22400:17:29.509 --> 00:17:33.700on in that that woman's life.Yeah, and think about how ridiculous we22500:17:33.819 --> 00:17:37.819would we would think that that kindof criticism is right, that's ridiculous.22600:17:37.900 --> 00:17:41.660They're killing two year olds inside ofthat place. Well, if we really22700:17:41.700 --> 00:17:45.569believe that abortion is murder, ifwe really believe that what they're doing inside22800:17:45.569 --> 00:17:48.569of that building is actually killing humanbeings, and we really leave that a22900:17:48.650 --> 00:17:52.930two year old in a two monthold in the womb have the same value23000:17:52.009 --> 00:17:56.930in the sight of God, thenin the same way we can okay,23100:17:56.970 --> 00:17:59.400people are going to have their criticism, they're going to have their opinions,23200:17:59.480 --> 00:18:03.279but they're killing children in there.Yes, doing what I can. Yeah,23300:18:03.319 --> 00:18:07.960you're raising you're raising a really goodpoint that at the basis of handling23400:18:07.000 --> 00:18:14.109any criticism, particularly in this kindof a ministry, is to make sure23500:18:14.230 --> 00:18:18.990you are solid in your motivation andyour purpose and your goal. Yeah,23600:18:18.069 --> 00:18:22.990and why you're there and who hascalled you to be there, and that23700:18:22.029 --> 00:18:29.299alone is a wonderful shield against againsttaking that personally. Yeah, I remembering23800:18:29.339 --> 00:18:34.220the importance of what you are doing. Yeah, and I think keeping the23900:18:34.380 --> 00:18:38.059main thing, the main thing,also keeps US focus. And what is24000:18:38.140 --> 00:18:41.609the main thing you talked about?You you hate the devil. You should24100:18:41.650 --> 00:18:45.410hate the devil. Yeah, right. We hate abortion, we hate plant24200:18:45.450 --> 00:18:48.289parenthood. We don't hate the people. Right. We're supposed to love people.24300:18:48.289 --> 00:18:51.970We supposed to love even our enemies. So we love the people,24400:18:51.970 --> 00:18:55.410want them to come to the Lord. We hate these things that are wicked,24500:18:55.450 --> 00:18:57.599that are evil, but that can'tbe our primary motivation, right.24600:18:59.079 --> 00:19:00.839Our primary motivation has to be alove for God, and we keep that24700:19:02.039 --> 00:19:04.319central, like we're out there becausewe love God. We're out there because24800:19:04.319 --> 00:19:10.029we love God. He loves USand he loves these children and we minister24900:19:10.150 --> 00:19:14.309out of that and it doesn't matterwhat comes along that tries to shake us25000:19:14.309 --> 00:19:17.910out of that. If we're focusedand centered in a love for God and25100:19:18.549 --> 00:19:22.309out of that love a love forour neighbor, all these other criticisms can25200:19:22.390 --> 00:19:25.420really fall to the ground because,after all, I appreciate your criticism,25300:19:25.779 --> 00:19:29.619but I'm here because I love God. Yeah, and I want to serve25400:19:29.660 --> 00:19:33.539him out of a love for him. I'm out here right right. Really25500:19:33.579 --> 00:19:41.250good point. Today one of thepro choice people looked at me and said25600:19:41.849 --> 00:19:45.369that outfit just doesn't work for you, because it's like I was like the25700:19:45.490 --> 00:19:51.450first thing out of her mouth.And and I and I. It made25800:19:51.490 --> 00:20:00.000me think of sometimes how petty thethe criticisms are in comparison to why we're25900:20:00.000 --> 00:20:06.079there and who we're serving out there, and to have someone point out what26000:20:06.240 --> 00:20:14.269I'm wearing as a something to worryat all about. So when one of26100:20:14.309 --> 00:20:18.430the first points that when I waswriting this article, that I thought were26200:20:18.670 --> 00:20:21.579you've raised some really great points thatI did not put in this article.26300:20:21.700 --> 00:20:22.980So everybody, you're just going tohave to remember them because they're not in26400:20:23.099 --> 00:20:26.539the article. But one of thefirst things is that there are some things26500:20:26.579 --> 00:20:30.819that are under our control and there'sa lot of things that are not.26600:20:30.900 --> 00:20:37.049Yeah, and how others are gonnaCriticize, respond what they do and say,26700:20:37.730 --> 00:20:42.210not under our control at all.Yeah. So our response to criticism26800:20:42.369 --> 00:20:48.130is but but in terms of wherethat criticism is coming from, we can't26900:20:48.170 --> 00:20:52.640control it. Just accept it.Yeah, one phrase that I live by,27000:20:52.079 --> 00:20:56.240and it has to do with reallycriticism and every area of my walk27100:20:56.279 --> 00:21:00.759with the Lord is simply you can'tplease everybody. Hi, may as well27200:21:00.799 --> 00:21:04.750try to please the Lord. Right. Yes, I have been criticized as27300:21:04.829 --> 00:21:10.470far as ministry on the sidewalk fromevery angle over the years I've had people27400:21:10.509 --> 00:21:14.950that come along and say you're toosoft, like you talk too much about27500:21:14.950 --> 00:21:18.980the love of God, you talktoo much, your tone is too soft.27600:21:18.980 --> 00:21:22.180They're killing children. You should havea harsher tone, you should yell27700:21:22.299 --> 00:21:26.420louder, whatever. I've had thatcriticism. I also have had the criticism27800:21:26.460 --> 00:21:33.049of you're too harsh, right andand you speak, you call abortion murder.27900:21:33.289 --> 00:21:37.049You really really shouldn't come across asbeing judgmental in all this. And28000:21:37.369 --> 00:21:41.250these are this is from Christians,these are from people who think that they're28100:21:41.289 --> 00:21:45.690trying to direct me in the waythat I should go. And I appreciate28200:21:45.730 --> 00:21:49.599it and listen. I never rightoff people's criticisms initially, like I want28300:21:49.640 --> 00:21:52.200to hear what they have to say, I want to take it in,28400:21:52.279 --> 00:21:56.440I want to process it based onwhat I see in the scripture. But28500:21:56.519 --> 00:21:59.880if it doesn't line up with theword of God, I'm going to throw28600:21:59.920 --> 00:22:03.750it out and if it doesn't lineup with what God's called me to I'm28700:22:03.789 --> 00:22:06.190going to throw it out. Yeah, I'm going to take it. I'm28800:22:06.190 --> 00:22:10.349going to respond graciously. Again,from both angles. I've had, you28900:22:10.430 --> 00:22:11.829know, people hit me from bothangles. You're too harsh, you're too29000:22:11.910 --> 00:22:17.380soft, and you know I appreciateit. I say that I appreciate your29100:22:17.420 --> 00:22:19.819criticism. I'll think on it,I'll pray on it, but at the29200:22:19.859 --> 00:22:22.819end of the day I've got todo what God has called me to do.29300:22:22.579 --> 00:22:27.819And I will point to as I'mtalking to someone about their criticisms of29400:22:27.940 --> 00:22:33.569the ministry or whatever, I'll pointto the fruit of the ministry and I'll29500:22:33.569 --> 00:22:36.210say, you know, we've seensomebody baby saved. Now. Fruit is29600:22:36.289 --> 00:22:40.329not always evidence of the fact thatyou're doing, you know, the right29700:22:40.450 --> 00:22:42.450thing or whatever. Sometimes God willjust gracious to give you fruit even though29800:22:42.569 --> 00:22:45.720you're maybe not doing it the rightway, and God's gracious and all that,29900:22:47.440 --> 00:22:51.359but it does point to a lotof times the fruit that we've borne30000:22:51.400 --> 00:22:56.799points to that we're obeying God.You're reaping the benefits of applying God's word.30100:22:57.400 --> 00:23:00.430So I won't point to the fruitof the ministry first. First I'll30200:23:00.470 --> 00:23:04.269point to what the Bible says,like here's I'm doing this because here's what30300:23:04.390 --> 00:23:07.470the scripture says. Yeah, butI think the fruit is just kind of30400:23:07.470 --> 00:23:11.829like icing on the cake. So, yeah, yeah, and not to30500:23:11.950 --> 00:23:15.900say you have to respond to allthe criticism. It would not have been30600:23:15.940 --> 00:23:21.539super fruitful for me to respond toher criticism that I was not wearing an30700:23:21.619 --> 00:23:27.490outfit that she felt was flattering.So, but sometimes the criticism does have30800:23:29.170 --> 00:23:33.170truth in it that can be used. And so so, you know,30900:23:33.250 --> 00:23:37.089it's good to have an open mindthat maybe someone's maybe that criticism can be31000:23:37.210 --> 00:23:41.039used to help you. Yeah,but another thing, another point is I31100:23:41.160 --> 00:23:48.160was thinking through this was and encouragemeant to me and facing criticism. There's31200:23:48.200 --> 00:23:55.160not a single great Bible hero thatdidn't face significant criticism. Yeah, and31300:23:55.359 --> 00:23:57.950struggle. Yeah, absolutely. So, you know, I thought we've listed31400:23:59.109 --> 00:24:03.630some of them, but Jesus comesright to mind. Absolutely. I mean31500:24:03.710 --> 00:24:07.309this is the eternal son of Godwho is perfect in every way and he31600:24:07.430 --> 00:24:11.420faced probably more criticism than anybody thatwe see in the scripture. Ultimately,31700:24:12.259 --> 00:24:17.900he was he was criticized unto death, right. Yeah, yeah, and31800:24:18.059 --> 00:24:22.140we see the mean the life ofDavid, David being criticized from all kinds31900:24:22.180 --> 00:24:26.329of angles and being. He's criticizedby even his own wife. Yeah,32000:24:26.329 --> 00:24:32.130at one point. Yeah, Hum, I mean Moses. Yeah, think32100:24:32.130 --> 00:24:36.529about Moses, criticized by his ownbrother and sister. His people grumbled and32200:24:37.089 --> 00:24:41.000here he lives out of the leadingout of the House of Bondage, out32300:24:41.039 --> 00:24:42.880of slavery, led them out ofslavery. And Yeah, seem like all32400:24:42.920 --> 00:24:48.319they could do is criticize him.Yeah, and God. They criticized God.32500:24:48.480 --> 00:24:52.359How Dare God bring his out intothis wilderness not give us anything to32600:24:52.440 --> 00:24:55.029eat? We'd be better off backin Egypt. You know so well.32700:24:55.190 --> 00:24:57.910You know what this that raises agood point that I that I think a32800:24:57.950 --> 00:25:02.789lot of times the criticism, particularlyif it's coming from the opposition, but32900:25:02.910 --> 00:25:07.299even sometimes from fellow believers, isa tactic as old as humanity itself.33000:25:07.339 --> 00:25:15.980When they first faced Satan in thegarden of Eden, what was his mode33100:25:15.579 --> 00:25:21.890of of trying to get people todo what he wanted them to do?33200:25:22.450 --> 00:25:25.609Yeah, I mean, in essenceit was it was criticism of the word33300:25:25.650 --> 00:25:29.410of God. They did God reallysay? Question Really, can you really33400:25:29.450 --> 00:25:32.730trust God's word? It's almost likeyou know God. And again it's a33500:25:32.769 --> 00:25:34.720critique against God. God's holding somethingback. He knows that in the day33600:25:34.759 --> 00:25:37.960of you eat of this tree,when you eat of this tree, you'll33700:25:38.000 --> 00:25:42.759be like him. Yeah, andit's criticize and critiquing God. In God's33800:25:44.000 --> 00:25:47.039getting you to doubt God. Andthat, I think. As I was33900:25:47.119 --> 00:25:49.750thinking about that, I was thinkingso much of the criticism that we get34000:25:49.789 --> 00:25:56.109out there on the sidewalk is reallyaimed at putting seeds of doubt. Seeds34100:25:56.190 --> 00:26:00.910of doubt that we're actually doing whatGod would have us do. Yeah,34200:26:02.309 --> 00:26:07.700seeds of doubt that what God hasasked us to do is actually even worthwhile.34300:26:08.180 --> 00:26:11.779Yeah, and and then seats ofdoubt in the methods that were using34400:26:12.220 --> 00:26:18.569to to accomplish all that. Butit really does boil down to did God34500:26:18.769 --> 00:26:22.450really tell you to be out thereright, and it God really tell you34600:26:22.569 --> 00:26:25.849to harass women and scream at womenthis way? And it's the same thing,34700:26:25.970 --> 00:26:29.490it's the same thing that happened inthe garden of Edo. And so34800:26:29.569 --> 00:26:34.839I think knowing that helps to disarmin your own heart the effects of that34900:26:36.000 --> 00:26:40.559criticism against you. This is anold tactic of Satan. Yeah, and35000:26:40.680 --> 00:26:45.240Satan doesn't attack those that doesn't needto attack. So he's only going to35100:26:45.319 --> 00:26:53.470be criticizing and trying to discourage andintimidate those who are faithful and doing the35200:26:53.509 --> 00:26:57.950work of God and are a threatto Satan. So again, I think35300:26:57.990 --> 00:27:03.019keeping that in your heart helps helpsend how to handle that criticism. Yeah,35400:27:03.059 --> 00:27:08.059you have here all the heroes ofthe Bible face criticism and then all35500:27:08.180 --> 00:27:12.940those heroes turn to God and recognizetheir struggle is not against flesh and blood,35600:27:12.940 --> 00:27:15.809right, yeah, recognizing we're ina spiritual battle. Yeah, and35700:27:15.970 --> 00:27:22.329again the devil uses criticism to discourage, to bring draw the courage out of35800:27:22.410 --> 00:27:26.210us, that we're deflated and recognizingthat, knowing that, knowing that you're35900:27:26.250 --> 00:27:30.599in a spiritual battle, knowing thefact that what we're dealing with at the36000:27:30.640 --> 00:27:33.960abortion centers is the number one moralevil of our day, right, that36100:27:34.799 --> 00:27:38.319child killing is happening in our cities. Yeah, and the Devil's going to36200:27:38.359 --> 00:27:41.839use every angle he can. Now, I don't mean to say that if36300:27:41.880 --> 00:27:47.190you're getting criticized by believers in theLord that they have a demon or something36400:27:47.349 --> 00:27:49.670like that. I don't mean tosay that, but the devil does use36500:27:49.670 --> 00:27:55.150all kinds of people he does.And even unwittingly, sometimes we can be36600:27:55.309 --> 00:27:59.019used by the enemy to discourage andto bring disunity and things like that.36700:28:00.259 --> 00:28:06.740So we have to be careful ourselvesnot to be unnecessarily critical, right,36800:28:07.220 --> 00:28:11.539but just recognizing the plan of theenemy is helpful and seeing, okay,36900:28:11.539 --> 00:28:15.609that's what this is. This isthis criticism. You know, I think37000:28:15.849 --> 00:28:18.250when a Chris criticism comes our way, I think I already said this,37100:28:18.410 --> 00:28:21.890but I'll say it may be againin a different way, and criticism comes37200:28:21.930 --> 00:28:26.250our way, we should immediately likeprocess it, right. I don't think37300:28:26.250 --> 00:28:29.920we should just have a wall upand take it personal and say, why37400:28:29.920 --> 00:28:30.960are they even critiqueing me? I'mnot going to listen to what you have37500:28:32.039 --> 00:28:33.920to say. I think we doneed to listen to that criticism, but37600:28:34.000 --> 00:28:37.440then we need to process it throughthe word of God and then when we37700:28:37.519 --> 00:28:41.589have assurance through the word of Godthat what we're doing is in line with37800:28:41.750 --> 00:28:45.990his word, that it's in linewith what he said, then we can37900:28:45.029 --> 00:28:48.509take that criticism and we can wecan cast it to the side and say,38000:28:48.549 --> 00:28:52.190I thank you for your criticism,but as for me, in my38100:28:52.309 --> 00:28:56.579house, will serve the Lord,will obey God. And since you're probably38200:28:56.980 --> 00:29:02.380going to need to process that prettyquickly in a urgent situation like in front38300:29:02.380 --> 00:29:07.220of an abortion center, part ofthe preparation of being on the sidewalk is38400:29:07.380 --> 00:29:10.690know the word of God. Youknow so that you can bump it up38500:29:11.089 --> 00:29:15.809pretty quickly against well, what doesGod say? Yeah, and and then38600:29:15.890 --> 00:29:22.450you can either pretty quickly reject oraccept and maybe even take in that criticism38700:29:22.529 --> 00:29:29.359to grow. Yeah, but itis I think criticism is more difficult when38800:29:29.400 --> 00:29:32.240you're in a situation where a lifeis on the line. Yeah, and38900:29:33.400 --> 00:29:38.309and so part of I think,as I was processing through what to do39000:29:38.430 --> 00:29:44.230with criticism again, looking at thehow the heroes of the Bible dealt with39100:29:44.309 --> 00:29:47.750it. Well, they they didn'tgive up, they didn't back down,39200:29:48.390 --> 00:29:55.500they still pursued God's purpose as theyand call in what they were called to39300:29:55.660 --> 00:30:02.259do. And and so maybe youwon't be able to thoroughly process the criticism39400:30:02.299 --> 00:30:04.339in terms of is this valid?Is it not by valid? But you39500:30:04.779 --> 00:30:10.049will. You should know what isGod called me to do and no matter39600:30:10.210 --> 00:30:15.089what's being flung at me, whatarrows are being shot, am I still39700:30:15.130 --> 00:30:22.279able to continue faithfully to do whatI'm out here to do, and certainly39800:30:22.319 --> 00:30:27.160the model for us throughout the Bibleis don't back down. I'm thinking of39900:30:27.240 --> 00:30:32.000because we're studying has a KIA,or just finished a study of Hese a40000:30:32.039 --> 00:30:38.069Kiah in in church, and hewas just the brunt of so much criticism.40100:30:38.109 --> 00:30:42.509Yeah, and yet he kept buildingthe wall. Yeah, he didn't40200:30:42.589 --> 00:30:48.950back down until the wall was finished. mean the Amia, that is who40300:30:48.029 --> 00:30:52.740I meant. Okay, just criticizeyou. Thank you. Yes, but40400:30:53.019 --> 00:30:59.420notice I was able to quickly nottake it personally, admit I was wrong40500:30:59.619 --> 00:31:02.539and move into the correct see,I grew. I grew from that little40600:31:02.539 --> 00:31:06.809bit of criticism. So that wasa good process criticism. But you're exactly40700:31:06.890 --> 00:31:10.650right. Yeah, yeah, sothey so be like those heroes. And40800:31:10.809 --> 00:31:15.569and one of the verses that thatI actually use a lot. I think40900:31:15.609 --> 00:31:19.000of this a lot. Submit that, therefore to God. Resist the devil41000:31:19.480 --> 00:31:23.720and he will flee from you.Yeah, and that that's James for seven.41100:31:25.279 --> 00:31:30.000Don't don't back down from what youknow God has called you to do.41200:31:30.279 --> 00:31:36.069Exist Satan, and and that's howyou fight him. Yeah, yeah,41300:31:36.670 --> 00:31:38.390I think one of the ways,and you don't have this in the41400:31:38.509 --> 00:31:42.190article, but I know that personally, one of the ways that really the41500:31:42.309 --> 00:31:48.259devil can deflate you and get youdiscourage through criticism is if your motivation is41600:31:48.339 --> 00:31:52.339off. Right now, so I'lltalked a little bit about our motivation has41700:31:52.380 --> 00:31:56.140to be a love for God,and that's absolutely the case. That has41800:31:56.180 --> 00:32:00.660to be our central motivation for everythingwe do in ministry, in our walk41900:32:00.819 --> 00:32:02.890with God, is it flows outof a love for him. Right,42000:32:04.250 --> 00:32:07.650and if you're motivated, I'll sayone of the ways you can certainly get42100:32:08.329 --> 00:32:13.490really discouraged is if your motivation isa political one. I know the people42200:32:13.529 --> 00:32:15.799that are involved in pro life ministry, Pro Life Work, even on the42300:32:15.880 --> 00:32:21.640sidewalk. Their primary motivation is reallya political motivation. You're going to get42400:32:21.880 --> 00:32:24.440deflated real quick. Criticism is goingto get at you. You know,42500:32:24.519 --> 00:32:30.190politics is the art of compromise.Politics and politicians want to please the world42600:32:30.349 --> 00:32:32.309and want to look good in theeyes of the world. Listen, if42700:32:32.349 --> 00:32:36.710you're going to serve God, ifyou're going to obey God, you're going42800:32:36.829 --> 00:32:38.549to have to be settled in yourmind that they're going to be times when42900:32:38.589 --> 00:32:43.869people don't understand you. Yeah,and that's okay. Yeah, listen,43000:32:44.150 --> 00:32:49.019Jesus was the most misunderstood person thatever lived on the face of the planet,43100:32:49.180 --> 00:32:52.539but he was not deterred from hismissions, not even single laser beam.43200:32:52.700 --> 00:32:55.819Focus on his purpose. Yeah,it kind of goes along the lines43300:32:55.900 --> 00:33:00.569with kind of your first point here. You can't control what other people think43400:33:00.730 --> 00:33:04.130and right, can't control what otherpeople do and all of that stuff.43500:33:04.490 --> 00:33:07.690Yeah, you've got to be resolvedin you got to have that resolve in43600:33:07.769 --> 00:33:12.569your mind that you're out there toserve God, that you're not there to43700:33:12.650 --> 00:33:22.559please people and you know you're you'refocused on God and your purpose out there43800:33:22.720 --> 00:33:29.710be in obedience to God. Yourmission, if you're in abortion ministry on43900:33:29.829 --> 00:33:34.349the sidewalk, you are mission isto of course, first serve and obey44000:33:34.430 --> 00:33:38.549God, but to save unborn lives, those unborn lives at that last moment44100:33:38.869 --> 00:33:44.740that they're alive. And yes,there are billions of other ministries you could44200:33:44.740 --> 00:33:47.259be involved in then, many ofthem that might greet, you know,44300:33:47.819 --> 00:33:52.500stop a mother at an earlier point, but that's not the mission you're on.44400:33:53.059 --> 00:33:58.690And and so I get all thetime, all the time I get44500:33:58.970 --> 00:34:02.289offers to go do all these politicalthings. All are good, you know,44600:34:02.730 --> 00:34:07.010pro life things, rallies, whatever. Someone showed up today with with44700:34:07.170 --> 00:34:13.239all kinds of information to pass out, and that's not my purpose. At44800:34:13.599 --> 00:34:17.440my purpose is there's babies today,right now, that are going to die44900:34:17.800 --> 00:34:22.920and I've been called by God rightnow to speak, not to hand out45000:34:22.079 --> 00:34:28.269political tracks, not to show upat a rally. I'm here now and45100:34:28.469 --> 00:34:32.510that's my calling. Yeah. So, so I think that helps with criticism45200:34:32.630 --> 00:34:37.630too, because a lot of thecriticism I get is I should be doing45300:34:37.829 --> 00:34:44.460something else or I should be doingall those other things in addition to what45400:34:44.619 --> 00:34:47.219I'm doing, and if I payattention to those voices I will burn out45500:34:47.219 --> 00:34:51.539in a day like I could not. I could not do what I did,45600:34:51.579 --> 00:34:54.369and it really takes that laser focus. What does God call me to45700:34:54.409 --> 00:34:58.250do? Right, let me focuson that. Yeah, all the other45800:34:58.369 --> 00:35:00.769things that vy for my attention orthat criticize, that try to get me45900:35:00.849 --> 00:35:05.889off track. One of the thingsthat we talked about in from the Amiyah,46000:35:06.130 --> 00:35:08.400actually the book in the Amiyah,within the Ministry of Love Life,46100:35:09.039 --> 00:35:14.360God really gave Justin this this modelof rebuilding the wall from the AMIAH,46200:35:14.440 --> 00:35:16.360right first couple of chapters. Yeah, and one of the things that Justin46300:35:16.400 --> 00:35:21.000has been really saying recently is there'sgoing to be things that come along that46400:35:21.119 --> 00:35:23.429try to get you off the wallright here there building the wall. They're46500:35:23.429 --> 00:35:28.949going to be things that try todiscourage you, distract you whatever, to46600:35:29.030 --> 00:35:31.070get you from being where God hascalled you to be, building the wall.46700:35:31.869 --> 00:35:37.860You have to really wage a warfareagainst those things and criticism is one46800:35:37.860 --> 00:35:39.659of those things that try to triesto get you down from the wall,46900:35:40.300 --> 00:35:45.099get you worried about other people's opinionsand really just derail you right I was47000:35:45.139 --> 00:35:50.530called you to right. So thereare practical things, as as one of47100:35:50.570 --> 00:35:55.489the the people that contacted me acouple weeks ago. She said what specific47200:35:55.570 --> 00:36:00.449what do you do? What doyou do to fight this? And we've47300:36:00.530 --> 00:36:04.289talked through kind of, I think, in a almost more philosophical way,47400:36:04.320 --> 00:36:08.119on on some things that help toshow us up against criticism. But there47500:36:08.119 --> 00:36:15.280are some things that practical things thatI that I do anyway to fight discouragement,47600:36:15.320 --> 00:36:17.949and I know some of these we'vesaid over and over and over again,47700:36:19.190 --> 00:36:22.309but one of the first things thatI think is critical is that you47800:36:22.550 --> 00:36:29.949need to have some way where youare going to be able to reconnect with47900:36:30.230 --> 00:36:36.340God kind of detox from. Yeah, what you have just phased. For48000:36:36.460 --> 00:36:39.940me, that's kayaking or bicycling orgoing on a long walk and in nature48100:36:40.340 --> 00:36:45.739and alone. Yeah, being alonein a beautiful, usually natural place with48200:36:45.900 --> 00:36:52.010God. And I have found thatthat if I do that as many afternoons48300:36:52.050 --> 00:36:57.530as I can after I leave theabortion center, that's where I process what48400:36:57.650 --> 00:37:05.039has happened and kind of dust theall the terrible things that happened off off48500:37:05.079 --> 00:37:08.679of my mind and me, you, yeah, and am able to refocus48600:37:08.840 --> 00:37:14.880for the next day, and Ithink that is very important that everyone have48700:37:15.159 --> 00:37:19.909something like that. Yeah, because, like I said, the criticisms that48800:37:19.989 --> 00:37:23.469come, and they will come,are not what like other people's opinions are48900:37:23.550 --> 00:37:29.150not what defines me. Right,what defines me is what God says.49000:37:29.550 --> 00:37:31.780Yeah, what defines me is whathe's called me to, not what other49100:37:31.820 --> 00:37:36.219people feel like I'm called to.Yeah, what he's actually called me to.49200:37:36.380 --> 00:37:38.340That's what defines me. Yeah,and so there are times where I49300:37:38.380 --> 00:37:42.380need to get kind of, forlack of a better term, recentered,49400:37:42.860 --> 00:37:46.610yeah, by spending some time withthe Lord and allowing that fellowship with him49500:37:47.489 --> 00:37:53.130to just remind me of my relationshipwith him and how my relationship with him49600:37:53.650 --> 00:37:57.929defines me. I'm defined by thefact that I am a child of God,49700:37:58.010 --> 00:38:00.000that I belong to the Living God. Yeah, I'm defined by the49800:38:00.079 --> 00:38:05.239fact that he's called me to aparticular ministry. I'm defined by those things,49900:38:05.320 --> 00:38:07.840not by other people's opinions and criticisms. Right, it does take sometimes50000:38:07.920 --> 00:38:12.440just getting along with God to forhim to remind you of that. It50100:38:12.599 --> 00:38:15.949does. And kind of similar tothis, but different is that all of50200:38:16.150 --> 00:38:20.389us that are on a team together, all of us that are in that50300:38:20.510 --> 00:38:27.380ministry together, can recognize how sometimesthat criticism does start to seep into our50400:38:27.500 --> 00:38:35.820identity. Yeah, and to encourageeach other by countering that negative and false50500:38:35.980 --> 00:38:38.300narrative of who we are. AndI love how we have one of our50600:38:38.380 --> 00:38:44.369coworkers, Sarah, whenever she seesme, particularly back when. Right now50700:38:44.449 --> 00:38:47.090the criticism and the pro abortion crowdis not quite as rough, but there50800:38:47.210 --> 00:38:53.250was a time when I was beingmercilessly name called and just and one of50900:38:53.289 --> 00:38:57.400the things they would call me akey vicky over and over again and be51000:38:58.079 --> 00:39:01.039just slamming every part of me,and whenever I would walk in the office,51100:39:01.079 --> 00:39:06.880Sarah would say it's vicky wonderful,radiant, kind, compassionate, and51200:39:06.960 --> 00:39:10.070she would just list I can't rememberexactly what she would say, but she51300:39:10.150 --> 00:39:17.389would counter all of those criticisms witha positive image, and I it really51400:39:17.949 --> 00:39:22.829helped. Yeah, it really knows. That's really the opposite of discouragement.51500:39:22.989 --> 00:39:25.699Your discouragement is to get the courageout of you. Yeah, encouragement is51600:39:25.780 --> 00:39:30.539to put courage in you. Right, and we do that edify one another.51700:39:30.579 --> 00:39:32.900Yeah, typically the best way toedify somebody is to speak well of51800:39:32.980 --> 00:39:37.340them. That's right, to talkthem up, to encourage them, but51900:39:37.500 --> 00:39:38.929courage in them. You're a childof God, you belong to the Lord.52000:39:38.929 --> 00:39:43.250That's where we need to be,as I said earlier, intentional about52100:39:43.530 --> 00:39:46.929encouraging each other. Encouraging each other, yeah, locally with our local volunteers,52200:39:47.369 --> 00:39:52.289but also even nationally, like ifsomebody puts out a post on facebook52300:39:52.289 --> 00:39:57.400or something where they're out there onthe sidewalk and God has done something amazing,52400:39:58.039 --> 00:40:00.159then glory, and that the Biblesays we should rejoice with those who52500:40:00.199 --> 00:40:05.039rejoice. Rejoice with them, evenif they're maybe not a part of love52600:40:05.199 --> 00:40:08.150life. For whatever minister, you'repart of a still will encourage people.52700:40:08.269 --> 00:40:13.630Still give them the the heart thingor the thumbs up or praise God.52800:40:13.670 --> 00:40:16.070All right, then in the commentswhatever, just because I know how discouraging52900:40:16.469 --> 00:40:22.300this ministry can be. We needother people encouraging us as we're going throughout53000:40:22.340 --> 00:40:25.059what God has called us to do. Yeah, and one of the self53100:40:25.300 --> 00:40:31.019help things for depression that I've readis not that I am depressed or need53200:40:32.460 --> 00:40:36.690I give you the wrong idea,but I do read a lot about how53300:40:37.170 --> 00:40:42.329to help others and one of thebest ways to help yourself out of discouragement53400:40:42.409 --> 00:40:46.289depression is to go encourage others.So if you're the brunt of a lot53500:40:46.329 --> 00:40:52.000of criticism, sometimes the way todeal with it, and I know I53600:40:52.280 --> 00:40:57.280do this, is to go toyour teammates and remind them how wonderful they53700:40:57.320 --> 00:41:00.440are and how wonderful they are inthe Lord and how faithful and obedient they53800:41:00.440 --> 00:41:07.150are in the Lord, and thathelps lift not only them but it also53900:41:07.309 --> 00:41:13.190helps to lift you. So well, some of the other things are that54000:41:13.550 --> 00:41:15.789I think we've said thousands of times. Pray, be in the word,54100:41:15.869 --> 00:41:20.820be in church. Those things,of course, are given. Those will54200:41:21.019 --> 00:41:27.579always help you to fight whatever battlesthat you have out there on the sidewalk.54300:41:30.179 --> 00:41:34.769But another specific thing that I thatI know that I do and and54400:41:35.050 --> 00:41:39.210that I did share with that counselthat was particularly the struggling was I go54500:41:39.730 --> 00:41:46.050to the sidewalk expecting to see God. Yeah, expecting to see his miracles54600:41:46.840 --> 00:41:52.840and, even when it's not,something like a saved baby, trying to54700:41:52.039 --> 00:41:59.639find out and to think about andto seek and search for. Where did54800:41:59.679 --> 00:42:04.510God show himself today? Yeah,keeping that positive focus. Yeah, I54900:42:04.670 --> 00:42:08.150think in the face of so muchnegativity. Yeah, I don't one of55000:42:08.190 --> 00:42:14.230the things that you have here isprepare for the battle. Yeah, understanding,55100:42:14.309 --> 00:42:16.139like we talked about earlier, thisis a spiritual battle and there's going55200:42:16.139 --> 00:42:20.420to be discouragement that comes from theenemy. Putting on the armor of God.55300:42:20.940 --> 00:42:23.179We've talked about that. I dida podcast about that. But on55400:42:23.219 --> 00:42:28.019that armor of God because the criticism, again, the main source of criticism,55500:42:28.059 --> 00:42:30.929is the pro abortion people and asthey fling those fiery darts, and55600:42:30.969 --> 00:42:35.650the Bible says that shield of faithwill quench those fiery darts, even as55700:42:35.690 --> 00:42:37.730other believers people, they misunderstand whatyou're doing and why you're doing. What55800:42:37.769 --> 00:42:43.329you're doing is they fling those fierydarts knowingly or unknowingly, that shield of55900:42:43.369 --> 00:42:45.480faith, believing what God says.You're defined by him, you're defined by56000:42:45.559 --> 00:42:51.079his word, extinguishes those things rightaway, right. So be intentional about56100:42:51.079 --> 00:42:53.840putting on the armor of God.Yeah, yeah, and I do now.56200:42:54.079 --> 00:42:57.599I do. I mean I alwaysdid, but I did it kind56300:42:57.639 --> 00:43:00.349of just thinking through effician six,but now I do what what you do?56400:43:00.710 --> 00:43:06.710I acted out on my putting onthe helmet, putting on the Buckler56500:43:06.750 --> 00:43:09.269of truth, putting on the youknow, the breastplate of righteousness. Yeah,56600:43:09.309 --> 00:43:12.710and I'd say it out loud andput it on the way that you56700:43:12.789 --> 00:43:16.179kind of describe how you act itout, because I do find it reminds56800:43:16.260 --> 00:43:21.860me as I go through those actions, it reminds me I'm protected. Yeah,56900:43:21.980 --> 00:43:24.260I don't have to worry about whatthey're going to throw at me,57000:43:24.380 --> 00:43:30.650because greater is he who is inme then he who is in the world.57100:43:30.849 --> 00:43:36.090Yeah, yeah, Amen. Well, I mean, I think wrap57200:43:36.210 --> 00:43:38.170this thing up, there's an articlethat will have out on the sidewalks for57300:43:38.289 --> 00:43:42.239life website that you guys can checkout. That's kind of the framework that57400:43:42.320 --> 00:43:45.239we've gone by, like we oftendo. I do want to encourage you57500:43:45.280 --> 00:43:51.840guys we're coming up on our hundredthpodcast. Believe it's amazing. That's hard57600:43:51.840 --> 00:43:57.030to learn, to fathom one hundredpodcast. So our hundredth episode we want57700:43:57.070 --> 00:44:00.269to try to make special and we'renot going to yet reveal what that's going57800:44:00.309 --> 00:44:02.989to be. How we're going tomake it special. We kind of got57900:44:04.070 --> 00:44:07.469some ideas and I think we're puttingsome of those ideas into into practice,58000:44:08.190 --> 00:44:10.900but I do feel like it'll bean encouragement to you guys. So just58100:44:12.019 --> 00:44:15.699be listening for our hundredth episode.Hopefully it will be an encouragement to you58200:44:15.940 --> 00:44:20.739and be a blessing to you guys. Hopefully this podcast has been a blessing58300:44:20.780 --> 00:44:22.539to you. There's certainly a lotthat we could touch on and dealing with58400:44:22.659 --> 00:44:28.809criticism and dealing with accusations and dealingwith discouragement and all that, and we58500:44:28.889 --> 00:44:30.329could go on endlessly, but wegot to wrap this up at some point.58600:44:30.409 --> 00:44:32.449So we are going to wrap itup, but we do encourage you58700:44:32.489 --> 00:44:36.170guys to reach out to us.You can reach out to me at Daniel58800:44:36.329 --> 00:44:38.440Love Life Dot Org. You canrek reach her, Vicky, at Love58900:44:38.519 --> 00:44:42.679Life Dot Org. Give us somesuggestions. Let us know what you think.59000:44:42.679 --> 00:44:46.559About this podcast. Give us areview on itunes or apple podcasts.59100:44:46.719 --> 00:44:51.920Yes, it is. Any otherway that you receive these these episodes?59200:44:52.559 --> 00:44:55.389Subscribe on Youtube and know a lotof people listen through YouTube. We have59300:44:55.550 --> 00:45:00.550our our basically audio going out intosort of a video format on Youtube and59400:45:00.670 --> 00:45:06.630people partake in that manner. Sosubscribe. Let folks know, share the59500:45:06.710 --> 00:45:09.420podcast with people so that we havemore folks listening, more folks getting encouraged,59600:45:10.059 --> 00:45:15.340and I think with that wrapping thisthing up. So until next time,59700:45:15.539 --> 00:45:25.250God bless, God bless. Giveme our love for love, give59800:45:25.369 --> 00:45:35.090me our love for gratitude. Iknow it will cost me my life.59900:45:37.760 --> 00:45:42.159Nothing's too precious in some you