Nehemiah 6:5-6. “Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; wherein was written, ‘It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews thi to rebel: for thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words,’”
CHARACTER ATTACKS. What means this open letter that everyone can read? Often the objective behind such an act is to sow some poisoned seed. There may be a personal dislike of one, or there may be some misunderstanding. But whatever the reason to spread character attacks, something is underhanded, To bring a question upon a work that may be different then what one chooses – And the hope in starting a gossiping campaign is one’s credibility looses Its impact and the work will fail which they are trying to undermine. A search is on that some flaw in character the accusers hope to find.
When these attacks come, and they surely will, remember who called you to labor. God commissioned you to do a work, not to curry everyone’s favor. Stick to the work, remember the goal; God has designated you as the one To do this work, so don’t get sidetracked, keep at it till it is done. You may have to respond if they attack continually, but don’t join in a fight. Brethren who publicly disagree to the onlookers is an awful sight. Say as little as possible, use simple plain words restating your objective. And don’t allow yourself to be stopped by jealously worded invectives.
Press on faithfully, the prize is before you, the labor will soon be over. Those who oppose you personally will sometime have to recover Their credibility because God has His way of bringing things to pass; He is concerned about your goal too, and knows about the character attacks. If something needs to be done about them, leave it to God to arrange A meeting if necessary, or if He chooses, let things go on without change. You can’t change another person’s mind; all you can control is your own. Just keep doing what you know God wants; all the circumstances to Him are known.
Tend to your own work and don’t meddle in things others put across your path. Often God allows times of testing; remember a soft answer turns away wrath. Keep your soul warm with God’s truth every day, never allow yourself to be bitter. You are better off laboring alone, then to argue with a grandstand sitter. Spend time going over the plans you know God has given to you. Perhaps the character attacks will cease, when the work you do is through. Then it won’t make any difference about what others have had to say. The “well done” from the Master we serve, will take care of problems on the way.
“Gracious Father, give to Thy servant a patient and calm spirit. Keep me from wanting to retaliate. Help me to focus every day on the work before me – not on what others say, or whether I am popular. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”