Titus 2:78 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

The best defense against criticism is to be blameless. The scenario that Paul paints here has been played out countless times in the 2000 years since then, as people who have opposed Christianity have been embarrassed to say that Christians were such good people. As has come out from another passage recently, sometimes people oppose Christians simply because they know they themselves look bad by comparison. Frankly, that can’t be helped, and the best we can do for such people is pray for them and seek to help them understand that the same grace we have received is available to them. Anyone in leadership in the Church, in particular, is going to be watched very closely, and needs to be careful that they are a good example. That doesn’t mean putting on a good front, but rather being good, through and through. That can only be accomplished by the help and grace of God, but it certainly makes for sleeping better at night!

I haven’t escaped criticism, but interestingly, I’ve had more from within the church than from outside of it. People tend to erect ideal images in their minds of how those around them should be, regardless of the practicality or even possibility of those images. I’m not to ignore criticism, but rather submit it to the Lord in all humility and let Him show me what is valid and what is not. When criticism is unjust, I am to forgive and pray for my critics. When it is just, I am to repent, apologize as called for, and seek God’s help in changing. I am not to resent my position of high visibility, but rather be thankful for the impetus to walk as I should even if people weren’t watching!

Father, thank You again for Your grace toward me. You know my faults and failures better than anyone, and yet You still love me. Help me indeed walk in Your grace, never taking it lightly but being grateful and extending it to those around me as well. May I be the example to them that You want me to be, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!