Is it right to criticize a man of God?

[squidget]

Is it right for us to CRITISIZE anyone, yet alone a man of God?

Who are we to judge?

Mr Armenian i agree with you
we have this handycap in that we donot see the bigger / ultimate picture of what is going on with the person that is in the center of the criticizum .
for whatever reason a person is doing what is being done it is of no sorprise to GOD and if it has no use for him im positive that he would stop it . we can just look at the way GOD handled annanias and safiras lying about their dealings with the apostles .
i might have a naieve and childish approach to this but honestly GOD can handle it is the way i look at it .
after all

and we know that all things work together for good to those who love god , to those who are called according to His purpose.

two things in this statement we really dont know about a person that is critisised .
1) how they love god ?
2) are they operating in the purpose that god has for them ?

so i guess if we are to critisize a person then we must at least know without a shadow of doubt these 2 things first , if we dont then its not our call
besides im too buzy trying to get my faults right to concern myself with someone elses :embarasse lol

blessings squidge

 

[jiggyfly]

Why does it seem many elevate clergy? Is the "man of God" to be treated better than everyone else? Why the pedestal? Is it scriptural? How does being a lowly servant equate with being highly regarded and favored?

 

[squidget]

Why does it seem many elevate clergy? Is the "man of God" to be treated better than everyone else? Why the pedestal? Is it scriptural? How does being a lowly servant equate with being highly regarded and favored?

Hi jiggyfly
im not putting clergy on a pedestool with my post this i assure you , this is the way i believe we should be looking at each other . you and i deserve this same treatment .but in acts 23 verces 1 to 5 we see paul confronted with the rulers of the day and although he " paul " spoke sternley towards the high priest of the day he retracted his statement because of this mans position .
verce 5 says ;then paul said "i didnot know bretheren that he was the high priest for it is written,you shallnot speak evil of a ruler of your people "
this for me is where i stand , i maynot agree with the ruler ( whether it is a priest or politician , or someone that is my superiour at work " but because of the position they hold they deserve the respect that office gives.and i believe that only someone of an equal ranking or higher ranking may bring question to their practices .
because lets face it if you are under someones authority of someone you dont agree with you do have the chioce to leave that leadership .

blessings squidge

 

[Maureen]

.

I can guarantee you that there are alot of godly people who are sending their money to the pastors in the private jets, luxurious hotels, trips, cars, etc.

Sorry, God/Jesus was an itinerant preacher...

The Bible is also clear on this subject.

Yes, I agree, this is truth.

I will only say this,
have you heard of a Pastor who told the mother of a 5yr old little girl that she was healed from Cancer.
Then months later the child died.

Now I read of this, I am not wanting to name the Preacher concerned.
I used to listen to him myself at one time, even went to see him when he came to my home town, but when I read this, I straightway couldn't go on hearing him.

 

[migueldevis]

Yes, I agree, this is truth.

I will only say this,
have you heard of a Pastor who told the mother of a 5yr old little girl that she was healed from Cancer.
Then months later the child died.

Now I read of this, I am not wanting to name the Preacher concerned.
I used to listen to him myself at one time, even went to see him when he came to my home town, but when I read this, I straightway couldn't go on hearing him.

Isn't it sad! No, I am not familiar with this specific one, but am aware of many other cases like this one......many here in Southern California.

When I hear about stuff like this, it sends chills up and down my spine!
It is only right to wonder, speak up, and try to help people who are swindled. Those false teachers are taking advantage of people.

What did the Apostles tell Simon BarJesus, when he tried to "buy" the ability to do miracles?

They rebuked him! Are we not as good as the Apostles, that we are prevented from rebuking (calling things what they are) when someone like that comes into our midst!

The most important thing, is that there are alot of Biblical verses to back this up, in their proper context, of course. And in fact, Thatguy and others have already mentioned lots of them. The problem is that many are giving heed to seducing spirits, etc.

God bless Maureen for mentioning the factual situation behind that false leader.:girl_hug:

 

[Maureen]

They rebuked him! Are we not as good as the Apostles, that we are prevented from rebuking (calling things what they are) when someone like that comes into our midst!

:

Indeed we are, we are answerable to our Master for everything.

 

[Shutterbug]

Is it right to criticize a man of God?

Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, the fact is we do make assessments of people we meet or hear about. The issue then becomes one of accuracy: fact vs pride or misinformation.

Regardless, one must be careful of how one is critical of another. There will always be people who simply rub us the wrong way; we just don't "click". That scenario in itself is not an excuse for refusing to be friendly or make the best of a bad situation.

Ultimately, we do decide if another person or group serves our best interests. If one is critical, never be hostile or closed minded.

I work with people who drive me foolish. And, I doubtless drive some foolish as well. But, despite our temperaments and habits, we try to get along and get the job done without unnecessary personal animosity Trust me, it's easier said than done. Some wouldn't blink if a nuclear detonating device exploded in front of them while others are obsessive compulsive over rather trivial things. Some couldn't care less about others while some are very friendly.

Regardless of what judgments you make, keep a cool head and a sense of humour. Judge the situation, not the person. Don't let the problems of someone else become your problems to deal with, too.

Cheers,
John

 

[Richie]

There are indeed some preachers that teach contrary to the word of God, implement a wrong doctrine and are not in truely Christ centred. We should avoid such kind of preachers because if we go to their Churches and services, it can effect our spiritual life a lot.

So let us focus more on the Churches which are Christ centred, because when we go to them, it will help us building up our spiritual life.

This is how we can identify if we are really going to a truely Christ centred Church or not:

Matthew 7:15,16 and 20:

Verse 15: “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep, but are really wolves that will tear you apart.

Verse 16: You can detect them by the way they act, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit...........

Verse 20: Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced.

The fruits are nothing but what is preached to you and the work (reach out to the poor, needy, lost souls) they are supposed to do.

God bless you.

 

[Singlemom]

okay,

I think your post is deviating a wee bit from the subject being discussed. I have an alcoholic neighbor and a bachelor at that. ooooohhhhh, you should see the weekends in my corner of the world! I hate the weekends at home. Usually, there will be loud singing, drinking, music, yelling adults and kids! it is a mad house.

But God placed it in my heart to go and speak to this neighnor (his walls are connected to mine) that means that my walls were shaking!

Fortunately, there was a favorable ending to all this. He still waves at me and has curved the noise dramatically. Praise God.

But my point is, I did what was right, protected my children, and then continued to show God's love to this man, in speaking with him, sending over stuff, etc.

But he in no way shape or form is a believer! So, I cannot judge him for his sins, I can however share God's love with him, and Lord willing the gospel one day.

We are talking here more so about person's who are called "Shepherds" those who are responsible and oversee large or small congregations. Listen to what God tells the false shepherds in the book of Jeremiah,

Jeremiah 23
The Branch of Righteousness
1 “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the LORD. 2 Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the LORD.
4 I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the LORD.


16 Thus says the LORD of hosts:


“ Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you.
They make you worthless;
They speak a vision of their own heart,
Not from the mouth of the LORD.
17 They continually say to those who despise Me,
‘ The LORD has said, “You shall have peace”’;
And to everyone who walks according to the dictates of his own heart, they say,

‘ No evil shall come upon you.’”
18 For who has stood in the counsel of the LORD,
And has perceived and heard His word?
Who has marked His word and heard it?
19 Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD has gone forth in fury—
A violent whirlwind!
It will fall violently on the head of the wicked.
20 The anger of the LORD will not turn back
Until He has executed and performed the thoughts of His heart.
In the latter days you will understand it perfectly.
21 “ I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran.
I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.
22 But if they had stood in My counsel,
And had caused My people to hear My words,
Then they would have turned them from their evil way
And from the evil of their doings.


25 “I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in My name, saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed!’ 26 How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies? Indeed they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart, 27 who try to make My people forget My name by their dreams which everyone tells his neighbor, as their fathers forgot My name for Baal.


30 “Therefore behold, I am against the prophets,” says the LORD, “who steal My words every one from his neighbor. 31 Behold, I am against the prophets,” says the LORD, “who use their tongues and say, ‘He says.’ 32 Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” says the LORD, “and tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness. Yet I did not send them or command them; therefore they shall not profit this people at all,” says the LORD.
33 “So when these people or the prophet or the priest ask you, saying, ‘What is the oracle of the LORD?’ you shall then say to them, ‘What oracle?’ I will even forsake you,” says the LORD. 34 “And as for the prophet and the priest and the people who say, ‘The oracle of the LORD!’ I will even punish that man and his house. 35 Thus every one of you shall say to his neighbor, and every one to his brother, ‘What has the LORD answered?’ and, ‘What has the LORD spoken?’ 36 And the oracle of the LORD you shall mention no more. For every man’s word will be his oracle, for you have perverted the words of the living God, the LORD of hosts, our God. 37 Thus you shall say to the prophet, ‘What has the LORD answered you?’ and, ‘What has the LORD spoken?’ 38 But since you say, ‘The oracle of the LORD!’ therefore thus says the LORD: ‘Because you say this word, “The oracle of the LORD!” and I have sent to you, saying, “Do not say, ‘The oracle of the LORD!’” 39 therefore behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you and forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and will cast you out of My presence. 40 And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.’

Only a small sampling of the word of God............

He need to heed the dangers of seducing spirits, and pray and bless those pastors who are in fact, speaking from the Lord.

How will we know? They preach the entire word of God without compromise!

 

[Richie]

okay,

I think your post is deviating a wee bit from the subject being discussed. I have an alcoholic neighbor and a bachelor at that. ooooohhhhh, you should see the weekends in my corner of the world! I hate the weekends at home. Usually, there will be loud singing, drinking, music, yelling adults and kids! it is a mad house.

But God placed it in my heart to go and speak to this neighnor (his walls are connected to mine) that means that my walls were shaking!

Fortunately, there was a favorable ending to all this. He still waves at me and has curved the noise dramatically. Praise God.

But my point is, I did what was right, protected my children, and then continued to show God's love to this man, in speaking with him, sending over stuff, etc.

But he in no way shape or form is a believer! So, I cannot judge him for his sins, I can however share God's love with him, and Lord willing the gospel one day.

We are talking here more so about person's who are called "Shepherds" those who are responsible and oversee large or small congregations. Listen to what God tells the false shepherds in the book of Jeremiah,

Jeremiah 23
The Branch of Righteousness
1 “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the LORD. 2 Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the LORD.
4 I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the LORD.


16 Thus says the LORD of hosts:


“ Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you.
They make you worthless;
They speak a vision of their own heart,
Not from the mouth of the LORD.
17 They continually say to those who despise Me,
‘ The LORD has said, “You shall have peace”’;
And to everyone who walks according to the dictates of his own heart, they say,

‘ No evil shall come upon you.’”
18 For who has stood in the counsel of the LORD,
And has perceived and heard His word?
Who has marked His word and heard it?
19 Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD has gone forth in fury—
A violent whirlwind!
It will fall violently on the head of the wicked.
20 The anger of the LORD will not turn back
Until He has executed and performed the thoughts of His heart.
In the latter days you will understand it perfectly.
21 “ I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran.
I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.
22 But if they had stood in My counsel,
And had caused My people to hear My words,
Then they would have turned them from their evil way
And from the evil of their doings.


25 “I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in My name, saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed!’ 26 How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies? Indeed they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart, 27 who try to make My people forget My name by their dreams which everyone tells his neighbor, as their fathers forgot My name for Baal.


30 “Therefore behold, I am against the prophets,” says the LORD, “who steal My words every one from his neighbor. 31 Behold, I am against the prophets,” says the LORD, “who use their tongues and say, ‘He says.’ 32 Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” says the LORD, “and tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness. Yet I did not send them or command them; therefore they shall not profit this people at all,” says the LORD.
33 “So when these people or the prophet or the priest ask you, saying, ‘What is the oracle of the LORD?’ you shall then say to them, ‘What oracle?’ I will even forsake you,” says the LORD. 34 “And as for the prophet and the priest and the people who say, ‘The oracle of the LORD!’ I will even punish that man and his house. 35 Thus every one of you shall say to his neighbor, and every one to his brother, ‘What has the LORD answered?’ and, ‘What has the LORD spoken?’ 36 And the oracle of the LORD you shall mention no more. For every man’s word will be his oracle, for you have perverted the words of the living God, the LORD of hosts, our God. 37 Thus you shall say to the prophet, ‘What has the LORD answered you?’ and, ‘What has the LORD spoken?’ 38 But since you say, ‘The oracle of the LORD!’ therefore thus says the LORD: ‘Because you say this word, “The oracle of the LORD!” and I have sent to you, saying, “Do not say, ‘The oracle of the LORD!’” 39 therefore behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you and forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and will cast you out of My presence. 40 And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.’

Only a small sampling of the word of God............

He need to heed the dangers of seducing spirits, and pray and bless those pastors who are in fact, speaking from the Lord.

How will we know? They preach the entire word of God without compromise!

Dear sister,

If you don't mind, may I know to whose post you replied to?

God bless you.

 

[Mike Scott]

Hi Richie
I said no due to the method your were describing.
As an elder I have had to go through the steps listed above that are listed by my brothers and sisters in Matthew. I start the process on the fact that the one I am confronting is a brother or sister in Christ and then proceed walking through what I like to do is speak in truth and love, then depending on their reaction lets say for now is positive.....
Then be there for them if they want to walk through the R's, repentence, reconciliation and restoration.
When it goes negative, then I have followed the rest of the proceedures even to the point where I had to bring it before the congregation always praying that things would turn around.
Some have left the church many others have been brought back into the ministry.
This pastor should of asked that person into the privacy of an office with an elder with him or to a private area. I always have others present so it is not misunderstood what is said in the passion of the moment.
Just to note one of my higher areas of giftings is Mercy which sometimes goes against me but I prefer the positive way vs the doorway.
Thanks Richie for postiing this cause Church Discipline is an area that is under constant attack cause it is never easy or there are always so many hidden items that usually cannot be spoken about publically due to Privacy Acts etc....
Take care
Mike
aka grizzly for Christ

 

[Richie]

Thanks Richie for postiing this cause Church Discipline is an area that is under constant attack cause it is never easy or there are always so many hidden items that usually cannot be spoken about publically due to Privacy Acts etc....
Take care
Mike
aka grizzly for Christ

Dear Brother,

Thanks for your reply. I agree with what you posted. I too admit the fact that Church discipline is the area under constant attack.

All I can say is that if a person has any problem with a particular pastor's preaching, he/she should go and discuss (but not argue) the matter with the pastor amicably, so that he/she will not have a problem with that pastor anymore. But instead of doing this, many people criticize pastors from the pulpit, or using web pages and post it in google, etc and cause enough of confusion and problems.

Whenever we criticize some pastor, we should know the following facts:

1) The pastor is not answerable to us when he dies. He is answerable to God almighty.
2) We get nothing out of criticizing.

Whenever a pastor has to prepare a sermon for 1 hour, just imagine the amount of home work he has to put into it. In college whenever I have to give a seminar for 10 minutes, I usually put in 3 to 4 hours a day. I take 1 week to prepare for the seminar. Imagine the hard work the pastor has to put into. Whenever people criticize a pastor, they just don't understand the kind of work the pastor has to do. They do it narrow mindedly.

As far as Church discipline is concerned, the pastor should be strict with the congregation in order to bring things into control or else it will lead to a problem.

Please see this thread because some of us have been discussing Church matters, Church discipline in most cases:

http://www.talkjesus.com/bible-study-hall/17507-revelation-2-3-a.html

Please do read this with patience and it is upto you if you want to join us or not.

God bless you.

 

[Michael19]

I think it is alright to criticize a man of God if they are not living their life
properly. That way they can acknowledge their mistakes if they are not
aware of them.

However the proper steps should be taken which Chad has already posted

God Bless

 

[rizen1]

Whenever we criticize some pastor, we should know the following facts:

1) The pastor is not answerable to us when he dies.
2) We get nothing out of criticizing.

I agree
I think we confuse correction with criticism.

Criticism is wrong and I believe God will judge all those who do it within the Body of Christ. How dare you put yourself up with God and look down on others.

Criticism...
1.the act of passing judgment as to the merits of anything.
2. the act of passing severe judgment; censure; faultfinding

Correction...the verb correct means
1. to set or make true, accurate, or right; remove the errors or faults from.

dictionary.reference..com

Does God wants us in our high chairs pointing fingers and finding faults of leaders, or does he want us to remove errors or faults from our brothers and sisters.

Lets not become self rightous, but evaluate the correct terms and usage of these words and check ourselves.
Pride comes before fall.

 

[Maureen]

Ezekiel 34
is a great chapter to read about the 'sheep' and the 'shepherds'

Verses 1 + 2
And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

V 15
I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.
V 31
And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.


there is much more said about the sheperds throughout the whole chapter.

 

[Hislovendures]

Proverbs 16:21
The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.

 

[sebi]

Constructive criticism is good for everyone (we're all imperfect). And, of course, destructive criticism is bad for everyone...

 

[squidget]

1 thess 5 12 & 13

But we urge you , bretheren , to recognise those who labour among you , and are over you , and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake ,be at peace among yourselves .

this is very interesting piece of advice .
to me it says that although i may disagree with a man , if i stay in the spirit of love and hold him in regard to the labour of his work , wether he is right or wrong is not my comcern as i am at peace .

 

[Maureen]

1 Corinthians 3 v 4
For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

 

[lettheredeemed]

I believe that you have to be a bit more specific? Criticize in what way? I believe that we need to be very careful about criticizing the preacher. I don't believe that it is unscriptural to disagree with what he says especially if you can support you position with scripture. Any preacher worth his salt will tell you not to take his word for everything but to study it out and see what God has to say.
On the other hand, I believe that He answers to God. He should be respected as the one that the Lord placed to be the pastor of the local called out assembly.