No matter what they say
January 14, 2010 (Thursday)
In 1966 at a Southern Baptist Pastor’s Conference, I heard Jess Moody quote this poem:
Who criticize and minimize
The other guys
Whose enterprise
Has made them rise
Above the guys
Who criticize and minimize.
I have not been able to find out who wrote it. But whoever it was, he/she certainly “hit the nail on the head.”
William Carey said, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” These statements were the two points of his sermon to fellow pastors in England, urging them to become involved in mission work in 1792. Carey is the father of the modern mission movement, sailing to India as England’s first Christian missionary. He didn’t just make quotable statements; he actually did what he exhorted others to do also. There was much criticism of him and his efforts because many in the church of that day had come to believe that mission work in foreign countries betrayed a lack of faith in God, who would “save the heathen without human help.” Their criticisms were loud and incessant, but they did not stop Carey, whose example led many others to follow, taking seriously the Great Commission of our Lord to take the Gospel to the entire world.
Whatever it is that God wants you to do, you will have no rest in your soul until you do it. Never mind those who “criticize and minimize;” just do it. You’ll be so glad you did.