The Colson Center for Christian Worldview recently reprinted a short article by Tim Keller on how to deal with criticism called “Speaking with Contempt.” Its a mix of good advice, exegesis, and a very real struggle everyone faces. It is especially helpful for leaders. An excerpt:
It is natural, when under criticism, to shield your heart from pain by belittling the critics in your mind. “You stupid idiots.†Even if you don’t speak outwardly to people like Moses did, you do so inwardly. That will lead to self-absorption, self-pity, maybe even delusions of grandeur, but the great sin is that the growth of inner disdain leads to pride and a loss of humble reliance on God’s grace.