Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Philippians 1:15-18

I was in Best Buy to upgrade my phone and took the opportunity to share the gospel with the salesperson. He was very receptive.

Halfway through the conversation, he asked me what I thought about a famous preacher he had seen on TV. When he mentioned the person’s name, my immediate reaction was to cringe on the inside.

The preacher he referred to is a well-known pastor who preaches the “prosperity gospel.” He teaches that financial success, physical health, and personal well-being are all signs of God’s “favor” upon someone’s life.

I was tempted to say something negative but refrained. Instead, I said, “Yes, I have heard of him. He has quite a following.”

What the salesperson said next surprised me. He replied, “I had no interest in God or Christianity until I started listening to him. He sparked my interest in spiritual things, and now I attend church regularly.” It turned out that the church he attends is a solid Bible-teaching church.

I thought about this afterward. The same preacher whom I was ready to criticize in front of this person is the same one God used to draw that person closer to Himself.

That day, I resolved to be more careful with my words and attitudes towards ministers of the gospel, even those with whom I don’t necessarily like or agree. I don’t want my criticism to cause someone to stumble.

I am not saying that we should not address false doctrine, especially regarding the essentials. I am also not saying that a preacher should not be held accountable if their lifestyle brings reproach upon the faith.

I am saying that we need to be more careful when discussing a well-known (or any) preacher with others, particularly non-Christians.

Here are some principles I have put into practice regarding this issue.

1. Examine your motives.

When you are tempted to criticize a preacher, ask yourself, “Why?” If your reason is to mock the person’s demeanor or appearance, gossip about them, or give your opinion regarding their style or abilities, it is best not to comment.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” 

Ask yourself, “Will what I am about to say build this person up or draw them closer to God? Is it motivated by the love of the person I am talking to or talking about? Is what I am going to say gossip?”

Our attitude should be that of David in Psalm 141:3, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”

2. Examine your heart.

When we criticize preachers in our conversations, there is most likely a root cause in our hearts. Perhaps it is pride, bitterness, or just drifting from God. Talking about the shortcomings of others takes the focus off our own.

Treat your temptation to criticize as a warning light that you may need to get back on track with your walk with the Lord. When I go through extended periods without confessing my sin, it hardens my heart and changes my focus from inward reflection to outward condemnation of others.

The remedy is to follow David’s example in Psalm 139:23-24 when he prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting!”

Confessing sin aligns my heart with God’s and helps me treat others the way I would want to be treated, with respect, kindness, and love.

3. Think before you speak and pray before you post.

James 3:6 says, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.”

The tongue has tremendous power for good and for evil. It can communicate the gospel and lead others to a relationship with God. It can also destroy our testimony and/or hinder God’s work in someone’s life. A keyboard connected to the internet and social media has this same power.

Knowing this should cause us to weigh our words carefully before the Lord, especially when speaking about one of His servants. As Psalm 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”