Conquering criticism in better community
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Rev. Christopher Todd
Words of Restoration
I recently heard a quote that fascinated me. It said, “To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, and be nothing.” And many people do just that: say nothing, do nothing and choose to be nothing.
However, that should not be the case for those who are compassionate and caring toward their family, friends and neighbors, those who live in community.
But we must note the reality that for those engaged in this good work of attempting to build a better community, this level of engagement invites criticism. Moreover, criticism will often turn to conspiracy, especially toward effective leadership. This is the case for Nehemiah in scripture.
As Nehemiah and the remnant continue to engage in this good work of rebuilding the walls, Nehemiah 6 records three separate plots that their enemies initiated to frustrate Nehemiah and his leadership.
The first plot was one of distraction. Nehemiah 6 opens with Nehemiah’s adversaries inviting him for a meeting at a location about 25 minutes outside of town. If Nehemiah had accepted the invitation, he would have been away from the work and the workers for at least two days, making the city of Jerusalem vulnerable to attack.
Beware of distractions and unnecessary efforts that will pull you away from the noble and necessary work at hand for those engaged in this good work of rebuilding our community. Nehemiah turned down four invitations to this meeting, reminding you and me of the repeated nature of distraction and the need for effective leadership to remain steadfast in building better communities.
The next plot was to discredit Nehemiah. Nehemiah 6, verses 5-9 record one of Nehemiah’s adversaries, Sanballat, sending an open letter to all the Jews to create division and discredit Nehemiah’s reason for engaging in the work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
The open letter noted, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports, you wish to become king” (Nehemiah 6:6).
Nehemiah addresses the threat, but chooses not to get caught up in this charge. At this point, Nehemiah has developed a reputation of being a man of integrity with the Jews he was working alongside in Jerusalem and with King Artexerxes, where he was serving as cupbearer (Nehemiah 1:11).
The plot to discredit those serving to better the community is dispelled through consistent integrity. Warren Wiersbe shares, “If we take care of our character, we can trust God to take care of our reputation.”
The third plot of Nehemiah’s adversaries was one of deception. It’s recorded in Nehemiah 6:10-14. What is unique about this deception is that it was religious in context and nature. Shemaiah claimed to have received a prophecy from God that Nehemiah’s life was in danger and he should retreat and hide in the temple for safety.
However, Nehemiah was not the kind of man that would be distracted by veiled threats. Nor was he the kind of person to desecrate and disregard the temple’s sanctity, which this false prophet suggested he commandeer and take possession of to hide.
Nehemiah recognizes that this advice could not have been from God because it would have been disobedient to God’s law. Nehemiah teaches us that veiled religion without genuine obedience to God is not good.
Those who are engaged in building better communities should recognize that these three strategies are still employed today in efforts to destroy the effectiveness of spiritual leaders. Cyril Barber called them intrigue, innuendo and intimidation. We’ve noted them as efforts to distract, discredit and deceive.
Despite the name of the strategy, it is incumbent on each of us to recognize them and address them appropriately, but again, choose not to allow these strategies to keep us from the good work that we are all commissioned to do – building a better community.
The good news about these strategies against Nehemiah is that they did not work. That should be an encouragement to you and me. The work of rebuilding our community may be hard; it requires diligence and dedication. But this work does pay off.
Nehemiah 6:15 states, “so the wall was finished…” With God’s help, effective leadership, a devoted group of people, and intense focus, we can make steady and sure progress to better our community together.
Christopher M. Todd is a Coosa County resident and the pastor of The New Home Missionary Baptist Church near Rockford.