That's a really hard thing to do. I don't know how many people over the years have tried to get us to question our vision for serving or continue to serve in Japan. It comes in many forms, from
"Are you sure, you've never been to Japan."to
"But now you're pregnant, does that change your plans?" (our first son was born during our preparation to go to Japan)to the more brutal
"You need to choose between us and them." 'Us' being a supporting church and 'them' being OMF International.Then the ones that came later (and continue to come) after serving in Japan for some time
"How long are you going to keep doing this?"
"When are you going to settle down?"
"Do you see yourselves coming back to Australia permanently some time?"We didn't personally receive criticism for remaining in Japan last year after the earthquake and nuclear crisis. But many of our colleagues did, and it was very hard for them to defy their well-meaning critics to do what God has called them to do.
How have you defied the critics and followed God's leading in your life?
I'm afraid for me it's more often been the other way round: listen to the critics & pull out of something God may have wanted me to do. (I don't remember any specific incidents, but that is far more my style than persevering is.)
ReplyDeleteWe Phlegmatic people are inclined to trust others' judgement more than our own. Although we can be very stubborn when we are finally convinced.
I'm sure that everyone has their different weaknesses. We're pretty stubborn as a couple (and we have stubborn kids!), so we've not often influenced by critics in a large way.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I only focused on one sort of criticism. The criticism we've received about our kids and our parenting has been much more difficult to bear.
I think there is often very little encouragement among Christians to forsake all for Christ - whether big things or small things. I've been criticised by Christians for driving at the speed limit, or not wanting to have a drink before I get behind the wheel, not having an iphone, living in the country etc. Where's the encouragement to honour Christ by obeying those He has set over us, being wise with our money (I'm not criticising anyone for having an iphone btw - just the constant pressure to 'upgrade'), and going out into places where there aren't many Christians in order to encourage the church there?
ReplyDeleteKeep doing what you're doing, Wendy. :)
Thanks Sarah. Yes, we Christians can be very critical and nit picky! Thank you for your encouragement AND your comments.
ReplyDelete