Over the years I have received my share of criticism. Much of it has been deserved. When it happens, deserved or not, I will recall a quote I read about 45 years ago from J. Oswald Sanders’ classic leadership primer, Spiritual Leadership. Here’s what he wrote…

“No leader is exempt from criticism, and one’s humility will nowhere be seen more clearly than in the manner in which one accepts and reacts to it. Samuel Brengle, who was noted for his sense of genuine holiness, had been subjected to caustic criticism. Instead of replying in kind or resorting to self-justification, he replied: ‘From my heart, I thank you for your rebuke. I think I deserved it. Will you, my comrade, remember me in prayer?’ On another occasion, a biting, censorious attack was made on his spiritual life. His answer was: ‘I thank you for your criticism of my life. It set me to self-examination and heart-searching and prayer, which always leads me into a deeper sense of my utter dependence on Jesus for holiness of heart, and into sweeter fellowship with Him’” (p. 120).

While I have not often been known for my “genuine holiness” (maybe Linda has), I have nevertheless come back to these words time and time again and sought to reflect and respond with a heart to learn and to grow.