Posted: 25 March 2026

Given on 24 March 2026:

Many a time we have seen Missionaries labour sacrificially for others, and then be totally misjudged concerning both their actions and their motives....

In many cases, that which they had been desperately trying to correct and compensate for, has been the very thing they were accused of.

All of us will experience abuse and slander, sooner or later, but the worst kind of all will come from fellow Christians whom we have loved and tried to help....

Some people are critical and judgmental because of an inferiority complex. Unconsciously, they try to build themselves up by tearing others down….

Others may be critical because of resentment or hostility against the person. Still others may criticise out of jealousy.

The trouble is that criticism is habit forming.

The West has institutionalized criticism in the media. Journalists even get awards for ruining people's lives - no matter how much of what they have 'exposed' is untrue, or is a misrepresentation of the truth.

In Nepal, they call it "dogs biting at people's heels." The Apostle Paul warned: "If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out, or you will be destroyed by each other." (Galatians 5:15)

We need to try to see God's purpose behind any given conflict and to submit to God's purpose. God wants to discipline the participants in the conflict.

Some Missionaries get so discouraged they just give up.

So, is the life of a Missionary always easy? All I can say is, become one and you will find out....

As Paul says: "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10)

The single most important factor for predicting one's future missionary performance is one's past performance as a Christian. Missionaries must be tried, tested and proven….

Those with a proper calling will know how to withstand.