Abraham Lincoln on Dealing with Critics
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Mon, February 16, 2009
- Viewed 395
- (17) comments so far
1. He acknowledged the existence of his critics. Abe knew he had critics. No doubt he knew their names and what their overall beef was with him. But it did not steal his passion for doing what he thought was right.
2. While he acknowledged that there were attacks against him, he didn’t feel the necessity to answer every one of his critics. As Lincoln put it, if he did this, he might as well close up shop. It would consume the time he needed to actually do his job.
3. He realized that all he could do is all he could do. He is motivated by doing his best; not by making people happy.
4. He kept perspective. Lincoln knew that his long-term success was determined, not by his short-term critics, but by the long-term results of his actions.
As you think of President’s Day… think of how you deal with your critics. And what can you learn today from Abe Lincoln?
Have a great day!
Todd
Today is President's Day, so I thought that I would share a leadership quote from one of our most famous and well-respected presidents: Abraham Lincoln.
Abe Lincoln once said:
"If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how - the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what's said against me won't amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference."
Wow. I can't think of anyone that this could apply to more than today's pastor. Let's face it... if you're not being some fire and attacks, you're probably not being very effective. Attacks and confrontation is just part of being in ministry. But Lincoln had a great perspective on his critics...
Comments
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Dave Tilma on Mon, February 16, 2009
Todd, great post. My only question is do Pastors really face that much criticism? (Just Kidding)
Andy Wood on Mon, February 16, 2009
I needed that reminder today. I just got a (rare) anonymous note from yesterday complaining about (what else?) the music. In this case, it was “the rock music that breaks the wonderful spirit.”
Next week it’ll be the “old school” music that isn’t loud enough.
The biggest reminder to me (took me 30+ years to “get it”) is that we all play to an “audience of One.” Even today, though, I had to process through it. And for what it’s worth, I won’t be taking any surveys anytime soon. I’m just sayin’…
Bart on Mon, February 16, 2009
Lincoln also divided the country in two, and was assasinated so how far do you want to take the annalogy? Lincoln did not ignore his critics, but did not let them consume him.
Tim on Mon, February 16, 2009
WOW..That was great, I need that today. We have been trying to blend some old and new music and i have a meeting with all involved tomorrow night. The old don’t want the new - the old think the new is pushing them out - the old can’t play the new….The new is doing good but they may be leaving within 3-6 months for a better ministry position. If I give in to the old though I may never get any new going again. If I side with the new, the old is going to pull 15-20 out of a church that runs 100. We just had a mess a month ago and lost 20 from that. Anybody need a media pastor…WOW….
On top of that I have been sick and still preaching and trying to hold things together for the past 2 weeks, on the way to the Dr. now.
Sorry to vent…..
Milton Stanley on Mon, February 16, 2009
Thanks for the good word, Todd, both in this post and in all you do at MMI. Peace.
Cole on Tue, February 17, 2009
Responding to Bart:
“Lincoln also divided the country in two, and was assasinated so how far do you want to take the annalogy?”
A similar thing happened to Jesus. http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif
jud on Wed, February 18, 2009
It comes with the territory.
CRITICISM and WEARINESS are the two biggest complaints from people in ministry.
I have the solution.
A) Get a regular job like everyone else in your church has. Get off the payroll. The money is freed up for missions and you are now a volunteer…. like all of your Church members.
B) DELIGATE ministry responsibilities to your Elders and or Deacons.
C) Make it manditory that your Elders are QUALIFIED and capable of expositing the Word. At least one Sunday every month on average is your ministry “sabbath” they teach.
D) Keep one or more nights each week designated specifically for uninterrupted time with your family. An Elder is on call that night.
E) One night every week is set aside for your wife. Hire a baby sitter and put an Elder on call.
F) Forget writing the book. Someone already wrote it anyway and you are just reformating prior knowledge from their book(s).
G) Cancel any and all conference trips. The Holy Spirit and your elders will instruct you as to leading your congregation.
(How Pastors can spend two months a year attending or speaking at conferences then complain about not having time is appalling)
This was pretty much the set up of the medium sized church I grew up in. It was Elder led and the pastor was a factory worker who NEVER complained. While he was the pastor he was NOT the face of the church. He didn’t obssess over leadership, he obssessed over memorizing massive chuncks of scripture and teaching the Bible.
jud on Wed, February 18, 2009
I wonder how Abe dealt with crickets, You know, how they get right in your window and keep you up all night with their singing.
cam on Fri, April 17, 2009
He did not steal his passion for doing what he thought was right.
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very good site http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif
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awesome on Fri, May 08, 2009
thank’s Todd, great post!!
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