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Writer's pictureBible Brian

The fear of criticism


Proverbs 28:1 tells us "The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion." In jest, one might claim this as an excuse not to go jogging, but the proverb is actually a description of two possible attitudes towards honest scrutiny. Those with something to hide, for obvious reasons, will seek to hide it. By contrast, as the cliche goes, "nothing to hide, nothing to fear".


This goes beyond the probability of having committed a crime. When it comes to our beliefs and worldviews, critical thought is vital. However, mankind has a tendency to suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). Thus, it is common to attempt to shut down honest criticism, simply because we know our views cannot survive it.


Paul is an excellent example of the righteous being bold as a lion. Having been hand chosen by Jesus Christ to spread His messages, Paul knew the truth, preached the truth, and defended the truth. Yet, wherever he took the truth, he was open to criticism. My go-to example is the Bereans, whose account is found in Acts 17. According to verse 11, the Bereans "...were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."


To be called fair-minded is quite the compliment. It is not the blind acceptance demanded by cult leaders, because the Bereans critically examined Paul's message, testing it against the scriptures in particular. But they also received the word with all readiness. They didn't just shut Paul out and demand he stop preaching, as the Jews in Thessalonica, who constantly tried to shut Paul down. Any and all resistance to Paul by the Bereans was in the spirit of truth. Therefore, Paul's message was verified. This same Paul would go on to write to the Church in Thessalonica, exhorting them to "Test all things; hold fast what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21).


Our world gives lip service to a similar standard. In particular, atheists claim to be well educated, allegedly to the point where they have no more need of faith. As scripture says, "Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things." (Romans 1:22-23).


This applies not only to atheists, but to literally anything that mankind worships in place of God, even false versions of Christianity. What you will find when studying false religions is that though they are radically different, they all follow similar patterns. This is because there are demons behind every idol (1 Corinthians 10:19-21). As Satan's minions, they use Satan's tactics, which naturally includes great hostility towards the truth.


Censorship of the truth is among that which scripture calls "carnal weapons". But as Paul writes, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Corinthians 10:4-6). Thus, while the world censors the truth, we continue to proclaim it. The fact is, the very gates of Hell cannot withstand the Gospel (Matthew 16:18), because even on an uneven playing field, God is with us, and His word is in us.


Through its censorship, the world cheats itself out of a very beautiful truth. Our lies, our idolatry, our outright blasphemy, have earned us death, but God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:32; 33:11). Instead, it pleased the Lord to crush Christ, who, though He knew no sin, became sin for us (Isaiah 53:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21). The Lord desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4), and so everyone who confesses Jesus as Lord, and believes in their heart God raised Him from the dead, will be saved (Romans 10:9). Therefore, if you have not already done so, it is time to repent, for today is the day of salvation. No one is guaranteed tomorrow.

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