Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Tuesday November 18, 2008

The value of not quitting when criticized! Seems like a strange idea doesn't it? I know of no writer, preacher, radio personality, football player or president who has not had to continue on in spite of often biting criticism.

Criticism seems to stop more potential dead in its tracks than anything I can think of, and yet when all is said and done, criticism never has and never will be a match for a tenacious person who insists on sharing his or her gift with the rest of us.

My friend, Dr. Russell Dennis, President of Heritage Baptist College offers this tidbit on his web site:

The first known mention of him in London was one of condemnation. The experienced and educated playwright, Robert Greene, viciously attacked the young pretender as an upstart. In print, he was called a "crow" and derided for his lack of education.

The question is now, who was this "young pretender" being so viciously attacked by established literary geniuses? The article continues:

True, young William Shakespeare never attended any university, yet he would eventually rise to the pinnacle as England's greatest writer and dramatist. Nothing is recorded as to how Shakespeare reacted to this criticism. Significant, is that though the rejection may have discouraged him, he did not quit. (Schoenbaum, Samuel. William Shakespeare - A Compact Documentary Life.1973. England: Oxford University Press, 1987 p. 151-158)

While nothing may be recorded as to how Shakespeare reacted to criticism, it is obvious that he continued writing and that is what we have to do, whether our undertaking is writing, selling, building, developing a stable family, you name it, there will be the critics.

If, after attempting things you enjoy in your heart, and the critics prove right, you still do not have to stop, for critics have no right to decide what you can or cannot do with your time, talent and treasure. God will hold you accountable for how you use these gifts from him.

My mother at 94 years of age gets a kick, high, or plain old fashioned fulfillment from making little signs with her knitting needle, that look like nothing, but when held a certain way you see the name, JESUS. I doubt that Mom has ever made a nickel from this effort, but she has given away many thousands and enjoys this effort. When you are 94, does every undertaking have to bring financial reward? Some of the neighbors who have a supply of the little signs large enough for three life spans often wonder why she wastes her time doing this. You could wonder why another 94 year old wastes so much time and effort playing their version of heavenly music on a rusty trumpet, or, God forbid, the ever present harmonica. Hey, they are enjoying this endeavor unto the Lord and they have long ago formed strong opinions about the future home of critics.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2008 Use with credit

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