Constructive Criticism

I hope I'm always open to criticism. I want to constantly improve how I function and how I perform. If I'm not able to listen to objective criticism, then I'm refusing to grow. I like showing my messages to people. Not so that they can be like Josh, you're so cool, but I want to hear what they didn't like, what they didn't get, and what didn't connect with them. We always have room for improvement. JM

Matthew 11:16-19

I love how much people like to hate on things. It's like a natural thing within all of us to criticize. Especially when we are confronted with something that really makes us think and analyze where we are as people. If someone shows me something that makes me think I'm a bad husband, then I think "where does he get off saying that, he's uneducated." If someone shows me something that makes me think I don't have control of my finances, then I think "where does he get off saying that, he's not a Christian."
People love to question ministry. It shows you two things:
1. You can't make everybody love you
2. You need to live a life that is above reproach.
JM

Matthew 9:14-17

You're doing great. Everything is going well in your ministry. Things are clicking along nicely. Your volunteers are excited, your students are passionate, and your parents are supportive. All of a sudden, like from out of nowhere, somebody decides to criticize you. They don't like that the scarcity of activities. They don't like the message topics. They don't like the loud music. People like to bring you down. If you're succeeding then you must be doing something wrong. Especially if others are not succeeding. Unfortunately for me, I haven't been succeeding lately. It's tempting for me to get excited about other people's struggles. It's a selfish desire I have. I pray that God will take it away and when I hear of other's struggles, I will instead be motivated to pray. JM