Criticism usually comes when someone tries to implement a bold idea. Those who are brave enough to try something new should be ready to receive criticism. Often, how we receive criticism can expose areas of weakness. Perhaps this is the reason more of us are fine plodding the well-worn paths.
If we seek to live a life honoring God, the way we respond to criticism matters. I once heard a story about Spurgeon's advice to his fellow preacher friend who was the recipient of sharp criticism. Dr. Newman Hall, another prominent London pastor, wrote a book called Come to Jesus. A critique was anonymously published which unabashedly ridiculed Hall's book. Hall's response was to write a published letter to his anonymous critic, knowing full well precisely who his critic was. Hall's letter was a masterpiece filled with intense retaliatory invectives that outdid the original article that attacked him.
Before Hall sent the letter, he had the presence of mind to reach out to Spurgeon. Spurgeon received the letter and admitted it was well written and that the recipient of the letter deserved the message therein. There was only one thing missing. Spurgeon handed the letter back to Hall and said, under your signature write, author of Come to Jesus.
Hall received the letter from Spurgeon and tore it up.
As we respond to criticism, remember that we have to sign our names: I have come to Jesus.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20, ESV)