I remember when I started preaching full time I was especially susceptible to negative criticism.

I could handle the constructive criticism (which I needed). What got under my skin was the unfair criticism I would receive from those who did not have my best interest in mind. Their words would echo in my mind for days. It would almost have a crippling effect on me. There is no telling how much time and mental energy I wasted focusing on their mean words. Despite the overwhelming support I received from most of the brethren (who were doing their best to encourage a young preacher), I would focus on the words of the one critic.

Elijah allowed himself to be discouraged by one person. When he finished his offering on Mount Carmel, all of Israel was confessing their loyalty to God above the Baals (1 Kings 18:39). Jezebel was not impressed. She was determined to kill the prophet. With this news, Elijah resigned his post and fled from Israel (1 Kings 19:1-10). He quit. He gave up… all because of one person.

Jesus was just the opposite. He knew Judas was going to betray Him (John 6:64, 70-71), but He did not let this one person keep Him from accomplishing His work.

It is easy to allow one person to have such control over us. It can be the bitter coworker, the mean relative, or the bully at school. However, the only way such people have power over us is if we allow it to happen. Remember, as a Christian, you are laboring for and answering to one Person – the Lord. Let your brethren and friends build you up and encourage you, listen to and learn from the constructive criticism you receive along the way, but never allow one person to hinder you from serving the Lord.