When Critics Are Your Best Friend

Beware of only listening to those who always affirm your decisions because the majority has often been wrong. Indeed, Jeremiah was outgunned 400-1. Four hundred prophets told the king everything he wanted to hear and prophesied victory.

Then along came Jeremiah, who said the four hundred were wrong and he was not appreciated. The false prophet claimed to have the Spirit, when he did not. Jeremiah did and he suffered a great deal for not being a "yes man", but in the end he was proven right and it did not go well for the king and those prophets.

I have never been a"yes man" and that has caused me some problems in the workforce, in my family, and in church. My flesh wants to belong and to have people like me, but there have been times when I just had to become the minority report. Often, I have not been happy when I was proven right because I wanted to keep bad things from happening. Thankfully, there were times when it did not turn out as badly as I thought even though it happened.

The bottom line is your enemy will affirm a decision he/she knows will not come out well for you and laugh when it happens. Satan set up four hundred prophets for the king. Your friend wants you to be happy so wants it to work out and will high five you. Sometimes, they will not point out the flaws in your plan because they do not want to risk losing your friendship. A true friend will tell you what is wrong despite that risk because they care for you more than the relationship. Indeed, they may be God's Jeremiah for you.

So, pay detailed attention to the minority report. God's people were often in trouble because of positive consensus in the congregation when God's will was only accepted by the minority. Do not be afraid to be a Jeremiah. You may save a soul or a life.

Jeremiah 1:4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

7 But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

9 Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

Before he was born, God ordained Jeremiah a prophet and in His foreknowledge, He know that Jeremiah would be a minority prophet so it is appropriate that God said at Jeremiah's calling to say "be not afraid of their faces." Then He puts His word in him. He was not called to agree with the majority of prophets, the culture or even an earthly king.

Though, he suffered a great deal, he had the last laugh. He was not a superhero. He was human and even accused God of deceit. In doubt, he still delivered God's accurate message and was blessed for it.

Stay alert. Be not afraid of their faces for you may be called to be a Jeremiah for someone or some situation. You may even be called to be a Nathan. Be sure of your message and calling and then say what needs to be said even if you are ignored. Let God handle the end game. Maranatha!!