Everyone’s a Critic - Greg Laurie Devotion - November 14, 2026
Listen or Read Below:
Audio By Carbonatix
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Everyone’s a Critic
“Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews.” (Nehemiah 4:1 nlt)
In today’s devotion, we’re going to talk about words of encouragement that every believer needs to hear and take to heart: Criticism doesn’t always mean you’re doing something wrong.
We return once again to the Old Testament story of Nehemiah. Nehemiah and his fellow Jews had just begun to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem when the criticism began. Nehemiah 4:1 explains, “Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews” (nlt).
The next verse offers some telling details concerning the criticism Nehemiah and the other workers faced. Sanballat scoffed and said, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” (Nehemiah 4:2 nlt).
You’ll notice more than a hint of anti-Semitism in Sanballat’s criticism. Even so, Nehemiah was determined to press on and do what God had called him to do.
It isn’t fun to be ridiculed, is it? It isn’t enjoyable to be laughed at. Look, for example, at the way Hollywood portrays Christians—the Hollywood that wants to set the moral standards for all of us to follow. They love to portray Christians as fools, buffoons, racists, misogynists . . . fill in the blank. In their minds, we Christians are everything that’s wrong with the world. And don’t get me started on the way they portray preachers. Some might call it a form of persecution.
Yet Jesus said, “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way” (Matthew 5:11-12 nlt).
Maybe you’re thinking, “Well, it’s not such a happy thing when you’re persecuted.” Yes, but understand it’s a confirmation that you’re a child of God. Just make sure that you’re persecuted for the right reason. Sometimes we’re persecuted for being mean, harsh, or some other thing. If you’re experiencing persecution, then make sure it’s for righteousness’ sake.
If so, press on. Endure the slings and arrows, as Nehemiah did. And as Noah did. And as Joseph did. And as Moses did. And as Elijah did. And as Paul did.
And as Jesus did.
Celebrate the fact that you’re in such good company. Celebrate the fact that your enemy sees you as dangerous enough to criticize.
Rest secure in the knowledge that no amount of criticism can stop God from accomplishing His work through you—if you stay faithful to Him.
Reflection question: What is the best way for you to deal with criticism and opposition in your life?
Copyright © 2026 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Greg Laurie is the pastor and founder of the Harvest churches in California and Hawaii and of Harvest Crusades. He is an evangelist, best-selling author, and movie producer. His latest film ‘Jesus Revolution,’ from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company, is now available on-demand worldwide.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com and weekly podcast on LifeAudio.com.
Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.
Can we really know God exists? Can the Bible be trusted? Did Jesus truly rise from the dead? In the newly updated edition of I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, Frank Turek and Norman Geisler examine the evidence for Christianity and show why biblical faith stands up to serious questions. Request your copy this month with your gift to Harvest Ministries.
