The Critics of the Godly

A professing Christian once criticized the saintly evangelist, John R. Rice. The old man did not reply to the criticism, but simply  mentioned that he’d read his Bible through countless times, prayed daily, won hundreds to Christ, raised godly girls, gave of his income, had been true to his wife, etc. Then he asked his critic, “Have you done these, or even a small part of them?” The man shamefully looked down. Dr. Rice then replied, “Well, your criticism of me doesn’t say much for you, does it?”

Criticism always comes from those who have a superior attitude. The lofty ones of Jesus day supposed themselves greater than the “lowly One.” Thus, our Lord’s warning to His followers, “If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” If they “bad-mouthed” the sinless Son of God day and night, what do you think they will do to us? The advantage of the critic over the godly is that the latter does not generally answer directly to the criticism, or attempt to defend his or her self. “But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.”

These enemies of all righteousness cannot comprehend the godly are the glue holding this world together. Take them away and everything falls apart. It is only their presence and prayers that is preserving things such as our homes, schools, cities, and even individual lives. And yes, entire nations also! These calloused critics are unconscious of the fact that God’s blessings are on His people, the ungodly simply happen to enjoy the benefits. You know, “My cup runneth over.” Thus, the less is blessed by the better. They have never come to the realization that Laban did, “And Laban said unto him [Jacob]… I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.

 “Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth.”