Dangers Toils & Snares

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

To truly care for people requires not caring too much about their approval or disapproval.
— John Ortberg

Mayor Richard J. Daley, who was as celebrated in Chicago for his malapropisms as for his ability to get votes out of corpses, once said of his opponents, "They have vilified me, they have crucified me, yes, they have even criticized me."

His honor could have been speaking for those of us in ministry. Whether it's politics or the pastorate, not everyone will believe we're wonderful.

Criticism, especially "friendly fire," can kill our motivation and energy. Generally we pastors have a fairly high need to be liked. While not a bad thing, the need for strokes can set us up to have difficulty dealing with criticism.

But if the actions of Jesus and the prophets are any indication, then giving effective spiritual leadership will surely mean doing things that displease the very people whose approval we desire. For most of us, it's only a matter of time (and usually not very much time) before the people we're supposed to serve have vilified, crucified, or even criticized us.

Our strong reaction to such criticism reveals, I believe, a serious addiction problem. It has nothing to do with substance abuse or chemical dependency. It is, rather, a craving for approval.

Its primary symptom is the tendency to confuse my "performance in ministry" with my worth as a person, to seek the kind of approval from people that can only satisfy when it comes from God.

This addiction has been around at least as long as the church. Paul thunders against it to the Galatians: "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Even more disturbing is the diagnosis from ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.