Dealing With Criticism

George Lucas, the creator and mastermind behind the original "Star Wars" movies, revealed the hurt he felt after a while in Hollywood.  He apparently didn't enjoy his business so much after all.  This is what he once said in an interview:  "You go to make a movie and all you do is get criticized.  And it's not much fun.  You can't experiment."  

Mr. Lucas felt a sting that is all too common in our world.  Even successful, wealthy, powerful people like him are not immune to the pain that comes from being criticized.  In fairness to George, it can hurt badly at times when we receive it.  And if we're not careful, we can let it shut us down.

Jesus was criticized during his ministry.  In Luke 7:34 He addressed some folks in this way:  "you say 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard'".  The problem was quite obvious:  Jesus was NOT a glutton or a drunkard.  Their criticism was unfounded, unfair, and untrue.

George Lucas.  Jesus.  You.  Me.  What do we all have in common?  We all at times are criticized.  

So, what do we do about it?

Perhaps it would be helpful to remember these words of John Lydgate:  "You can please some of the people all of the time.  You can please all of the people some of the time.  But you can not please all of the people all of the time."  That's just reality, and the sooner we accept it, the better off we will be. Criticism will come our way partially because we will always have some people who don't agree or aren't pleased with us.  That's life.

Also, we need to keep an open mind and consider the possibility that some criticism leveled against us may be justified.  Sometimes our critics can be right.  And when that happens, we need to be mature enough to admit our failure, learn our lesson, and do better the next time around.  Not all people who criticize us are "haters".  At times, they are people simply addressing a situation that needs to be corrected.  On a personal note, I'm thankful for some who have criticized me before.  Their words helped me learn about myself and make necessary adjustments.  See, some criticism can actually help us grow and become better people.

Finally, we need to find our security in God.  If scripture affirms what we are doing, and if we are at peace with God in our hearts, then we can turn a deaf ear to undeserved criticism and move on with life.  Remember this, my friend:  If God is ok with you, it doesn't matter what other people say about you.  He is your judge.  Your critic is not.  So be secure in His approval and don't let people steal your joy or destroy your confidence.

I hope George Lucas doesn't let the criticism get him down too much.  He's really great at telling stories and making movies, so he needs to continue using his gift.  And I hope the rest of us do the same.  We have a life to live and a difference to make.  May God help George, you, and me respond to criticism the right way.