Fretting

Fretting

One of the great tests of our spiritual advance is the way in which we "take" criticism. Some Christians cannot stand any criticisms of themselves or their work, and become fretful in the face of it.

Some time ago I had a telephone call from a man well known in his profession and active in his church where, as a layman, he carries on an earnest work of teaching. He made an appointment to see me, and within a few moments was at my doorstep, greatly perturbed. Something had happened to disturb his peace of mind. An incident had occurred which caused some people to criticize him. Someone had failed to consult him in a professional capacity at a time where his position and attainments would have made him the logical man to consult. He was disturbed and agitated; his feelings were ruffled. He was hurt. What should he do about it?

When he had finished pouring out his heart, I sat and looked at him in absolute silence. After a moment - and a moment can seem long when there is absolute silence - he started to talk again, but I silenced him with a gesture. Then I said quietly, "God has said, 'Be still and know that I am God' "(Ps. 46:10). There was another moment of silence.

I then told him of an incident which had made a profound impression upon me in my earlier life. There was a time when there was real persecution. Bitter words had been spoken against me and my work, and I was on trial over a long, dragged-out period. Worst of all, on advice of counsel I was forbidden to say a word about it to any other person. Over the course of a year or two that can really have an effect! I was learning what it was to "answer not again." During that very trying period I was walking down one of Philadelphia's principal streets when a godly man, an official in one of the great denominational headquarters, came up to me. He started to speak of the events which had received publicity and I answered that I could make no comment. He understood and put out his hand with a strong grasp, saying, "They haven't spit in your face yet, have they?" The answer was "No." "Well, then, you have a long way to go before you are like Christ, for that is what He got." Those words have been of great comfort to me through the years, and I was able to give them to my visitor. Then I pointed out that all that was hurt was in his old nature. He was defending that which Christ had said should be kept crucified with Him. If the incident which had upset him had been cast upon the Lord there would have been great peace. My visitor became calm as soon as he understood this. He stopped twisting his handkerchief, and was filled with inward peace.

Fretting is the caressing of the old nature. Peace is the gift of the Heavenly Father to those who put everything on Him.

1. How much of our life and ministry is devoted to recognition or do you “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16)
2. What ways can you change to look more like Christ so people around you will, indeed, praise your Father in heaven?
3. Is it ever acceptable to seek recognition?