Aaron and Hur
“Then came Amalek and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” Exodus 17:8-12.
Here we witnessed a crisis. Israel was seemingly dependent on Moses’ raised hands for their victory, however Moses tired. Aaron and Hur were near at hand. They could have become angry with Moses and blamed him for Israel drawing back at that moment. Yet they said not a word. They simply came over to where Mose^ was standing, had him sit down and they held up his hands. Without being asked, they saw a need and stepped in to fulfil the need. They saw the leader needing help and they helped. Not one word of criticism was spoken.
CRITICISM
I want to contrast criticism in comparison to Aaron and Hur’s action in this article. We see that Aaron and Hur did not criticize. However that is not always the case in our lives and associations with others. It is easy to criticize when we see things are not done very efficiently or are completely neglected, or perhaps simply done in a manner different from what we are used to.
What is criticism? When we hear of critics, we may think of those professionals who are hired to give their views on certain works of art.
There are art critics, book critics, and even music or movie critics. Their whole duty is to view these various works of art and to write up their honest opinion so that others may read their criticism and decide whether they want to read the book or watch the movie. Sometimes the criticism is positive and sometimes it is negative. Usually these types of criticisms are purely a person’s opinion based on his feelings and values.
Where does criticism fit in to God’s church? Does it belong? If criticism is purely based on a persons’ opinion then there is no place for it. Man’s opinions of what is right and what is wrong – or how things should be done – have no place in God’s church.
In the history of God’s church from ancient times, regular members have been criticized when their habits of life seemed suspect – they seemed to be out of the ordinary way of doing things. For example, when the tribes of Israel to the east of the Jordan River set up a memorial, the tribes to the west automatically thought they were setting up an alternate form of worship. “Thus saith the whole congregation of the Lord, What trespass is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that ye have builded you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the LORD?” Joshua 22:16. Before hearing an explanation the princes of Israel assumed it was a rebellion and asked them why they had sinned. When the children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh had an opportunity to speak for themselves it was found out that there was no rebellion or sin involved at all. It was simply a memorial that they had set up. In reply they said, “The LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, ..Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you. God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn this day from following the LORD, to build an altar for burnt offerings, or for sacrifices, beside the altar of the LORD our God that is before his tabernacle.” Joshua 22:22, 28, 29. And when the princes of Israel heard this it pleased them. The matter was settled, however there should have been no accusation in the first place. There should have been a simple request for an explanation.
Sometimes, criticism has been false where the person has done nothing wrong, as in the case of these tribes, and a simple explanation should suffice. What if the person really has done something amiss? Should he then be criticized? Did Jesus criticize? No, while He brought reproof and counsel, – never criticism. What is the difference? Criticism offers no help -it is just an opinion. Reproof and counsel should offer help and alternatives.
OF MISSIONARIES
Sometimes missionary workers have been criticized because they are doing things differently than they have ever been done before. This also is wrong. As long as no principles are being broken, we should help out the worker. Perhaps this worker sees something we do not see and has a certain vision or idea that will be a blessing. When on this earth, Jesus brought, what everyone thought, a new way of looking at the law and He was severely criticized by the religious leaders of His day. When, in fact, He was really pointing them back to the truths that they had lost sight of.
Perhaps we watch a missionary worker with careful scrutiny and decide that he is not very efficient, as the Pharisees were watching Jesus very carefully, waiting for Him to make one small mistake. If perhaps we find he is not working up to his full potential, do we have a right then to criticize? Maybe the worker is tired and needs help and encouragement. Again what did Aaron and Hur do when Moses got tired? They held up his hands and helped him. They could have sat on the side, watched Israel being defeated and then blamed it all on Moses. What would that have accomplished? No, they stepped in and helped.
“There are many who find special enjoyment in discoursing and dwelling upon the defects, whether real or imaginary of those who bear heavy responsibilities in connection with the institutions of God’s cause. They overlook the good that has been accomplished, the benefits that have resulted from arduous labour and unflinching devotion to the cause, and fasten their attention upon some apparent mistake, some matter that, after it has been done and the consequences have followed, they fancy could have been done in a better manner with fairer results; when the truth is, had they been left to do the work, they would either have refused to move at all under the attending discouragements of the case, or would have managed more indiscreetly than those who did do the work, following the opening of God’s providence.” 4T, p. 196.
OF INDIVIDUALS
We must be an Aaron and a Hur to our fellow believers also. “Every man has his peculiar defects of character. One may be free from the weakness which he sees in his brother, yet he may at the same time have faults which are far more grievous in the sight of God. This unfeeling criticism of one another is wholly satanic.” 5T, 35.
“You see that your brethren do not come up to the Bible standard, that there are defects in them; and you dwell upon these defects. You feed upon them instead of feeding upon Christ, and by beholding you become changed into the same image. But criticize no one; do not contrast your own exact course with the deficiencies of others. You may be in danger of wanting to correct others and make them feel their wrongs. Do not do this.
This is not the work God has given you to do. He has not made you a church tinker. There are many things which you view in the light of the Bible. But though you may be in the right on some points, do not get the impression that your positions are always correct; for on many points your ideas are distorted and will not bear criticism.” 5T, p. 334.
“The inclination to criticize is the greatest danger of many. The brethren whom you are tempted to criticize are called to bear responsibilities which you could not possibly carry; but you can be their helpers. You can do great service to the cause if you will, by presenting your experience in the past in connection with the labors of others. The Lord has not given to any of you the work of correcting and censuring your brethren.” Ev., p. 107.
DUTY TOWARDS LEADERS
“As young men go forth to preach the truth, you should have seasons of prayer for them. Pray that God will connect them with Himself and give them wisdom, grace, and knowledge. Pray that they may be guarded from the snares of Satan and kept pure in thought and holy in heart. I entreat you who fear the Lord to waste no time in unprofitable talk or in needless labor to gratify pride or to indulge the appetite. Let the time thus gained be spent in wrestling with God for your ministers. Hold up their hands as did Aaron and Hur the hands of Moses.” 5T, p. 162.
“And let those who love the Lord and His truth unite by twos and threes to seek places of retirement to pray for God’s blessing upon the minister who can hardly find time to pray because he is constantly engaged attending to so many requests, sitting in councils, answering inquiries, giving advice, writing important letters. Let the fervent, effectual prayer of the righteous ascend to God, that the word spoken may be a message of truth to reach the hearts of the hearers, and that souls may thereby be won to Christ.” RH July 24, 1883. “The negligence on the part of the ministers has discouraged the people and the lack of interest, self-sacrifice, and appreciation of the work on the part of the people has discouraged the ministers.” 5T, p.257.
“Happy the minister who has a faithful Aaron and Hur to strengthen his hands when they become weary and to hold them up by faith and prayer. Such a support is a powerful aid to the servant of Christ in his work and will often make the cause of truth to trnimpli gloriously.” 4T, p. 531.
We see several times in the Bible when Paul requested the prayers of his fellow believers. “Ye also helping together by prayer for us. ..” 2 Cor. 1:11. “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;” Romans 15:30.
SATAN’S HELPERS
In Sister White’s day she saw a danger creeping into the church and she gave counsel to the church regarding the problem. All of her counsels and admonitions to the believers in her day are a warning for us, so we do not repeat these mistakes. She saw Satan’s helpers in the church. May the Lord help us not to be a helper of Satan, but a helper of Jesus instead.
“Satan has many helpers. Many who profess to be Christians are aiding the tempter to catch away the seeds of truth from other hearts. Many who listen to the preaching of the word of God make it a subject of criticism at home. They sit in judgment on the sermon as they would on the word of a lecturer or a political speaker. The message that should be regarded as the word of the Lord to them is dwelt upon with trifling or sarcastic comment. The minister’s character, motives, and actions, and the conduct of fellow members of the church, are freely discussed. Severe judgment is pronounced, gossip or slander repeated, and this in the hearing of the unconverted. Often these things are spoken by parents in the hearing of their own children. Thus are destroyed respect for God’s messengers, and reverence for their message. And men are taught to regard lightly God’s word itself.” COL, p. 45/46.
Elders Jones and Waggoner were criticized for the Christ our Righteousness message they brought in 1888 at the General Conference session in Minneapolis. Unfortunately the church rejected the message. Sister White had a message for the church at that time. “To accuse and criticize those whom God is using is to accuse and criticize the Lord who has sent them.” TM, p. 466.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
The term “constructive criticism” is used often to denote positive criticism that is given to help a person. Is it possible to have positive criticism? These words are two mutually exclusive terms. Criticism has a negative connotation, while constructive a positive one. To criticize you think of putting something down – to construct you think of building something up.
According to the dictionary criticism is: “Faultfinding, censure.” A critic is: “A person who censures – finds fault” and also “a person who reviews literary, artistic or musical works.” Criticize “Find fault with or censure” and “Discuss critically.” I do not see very much in the way of positive thoughts from these dictionary definitions. In fact they sound quite negative.
How can these two words be used together? Not very well especially in a spiritual setting. Some people like to criticize and therefore make excuses by using this term, in an attempt to try and turn this criticism into a positive and acceptable tiling. It can’t be done.
“In the work of helping others, we may gain most precious victories. We should devote ourselves with untiring zeal with earnest fidelity, with self-denial, and with patience, to the work of helping those who need to develop. Kind, encouraging words will do wonders. There are many who, if a constant, cheerful effort is put forth in their behalf, without faultfinding or chiding, will show themselves susceptible of improvement. The less we criticize others, the greater will be our influence over them for good. Too many, frequent, positive admonitions will do more harm than good. Let Christlike kindness be enjoyed upon all.” Ev., p. 537.
She mentions that too many “Positive admonitions” will do more harm than good. Do these two words “positive admonitions” sound similar to “constructive criticism?”
Not “constructive criticism,” but encouragement is what we want. What is the difference? Encouragement and instruction are important for younger workers and those new in the faith. Encouragement is: “To give courage, confidence, or hope to someone. To urge or advise, promote, or assist.” Is this not what we want to do to our fellow believers?
The Bible tells us that if we see a brother in the wrong (Matthew 18) we are not to leave him in the wrong nor are we to criticize him, but go and encourage him to turn back to the right way. There is a right way to do it and a wrong way. We must be an Aaron or a Hur to them.
While living in Denver, Colorado before my children were born, I was working in an office of a wholesale warehouse. On the nice warm summer days I preferred to go and eat my lunch outside. Across the road was a small park with a lake in the middle. Here I frequently went for lunch. There were many geese that made this lake their home. Having walked around the lake the first day, I looked for a place to sit down. There was no place at all. Not a picnic table or a bench. I thought this quite odd considering the amount of warehouses across the road with many people who would like to come for lunch outside. However, due to the lack of seating no one else came. Day after day I went to the park and walked around. With all the geese around, sitting in the grass was out of the question with their washroom habits. One day as I was walking around the lake I saw some park workers trimming the bushes and went over to them to explain my frustration at the lack of seating. I asked them who I could contact to get some seating put in. They gave me the name and address of the local government official in charge. Then one of the men gave me some very important counsel that has stayed with me since that time. He told me that if I wanted to get something done, I had to tell them how much I appreciated their work; how wonderful the park was; how many people want to use it but can’t due to the lack of seating. I wrote such a letter and it was not long after that I received a reply. Not long after that the benches were put in place. The important lesson I learned was that whenever you want something done, or if you see something amiss, never criticize. Find something positive to say about the person or the situation – look at all the good points, and then bring up the concerns. Encourage – then ask. You see a brother doing wrong – first point out something positive in their character to them and then bring them your concern. It has worked many times for me.
UNFAITHFUL MINISTERS
“We have been inclined to think that where there are no faithful ministers there can be no true Christians, but this is not the case. God has promised that where the shepherds are not true He will take charge of the flock Himself. God has never made the flock wholly dependent upon human instrumentalites.” 5T, p. 80.
If a minister or leader makes a mistake and it causes difficulties with some members it is easy to blame them because we think they are to lead exemplary lives. Yes, it is true they are to lead exemplary lives, however they are not infallible. If we believed that they were, then we would have a Papal system. Then seeing as they are not infallible, they will make mistakes – expect it. However the important part is how we react when we see a mistake made. Do we criticize? Or do we step in like Aaron and Hur and offer help? I think if we all worked together to help our missionaries and leaders, the work would go forward with greater efficiency.
Even if a minister has done something we see as wrong, we are still to respect them and offer help. Maybe we see a minister or worker who we think is lazy and not working as hard as he should. Do we have a right to criticize then? No, again we are to offer help. We do not. know what kind of difficulties they are going through at the moment. Perhaps they had some trying experiences that caused them to become discouraged. It happens easily because bearing burdens for the Lord is challenging at the best of times. While it is not hard, physical labour, it is mentally very taxing. Not everyone is called to enter full time missionary work. It is a high calling and those that are called, need a lot of help and encouragement. We don’t want them to quit through discouragement. Who will fill their place? The harvest is ripe and the labourers are few. Let’s help those few that we have so we don’t lose them.
“While your president neglected his work and failed in his duty, your attitude was not such as to give him any encouragement.” 5T, p. 281.
Again in Sister White’s day there were problems in Battle Creek. I pray we will not make the same mistakes. “Many thank God for the truth and then turn around and question and find fault with the very means which Heaven has ordained to make them what they are or what they ought to be. How much more pleasing to God it would be for them to act the part of Aaron and Hur and help hold up the hands of those who are bearing the great and heavy burdens of the work in connection with the cause of God. Murmurers and complainers should remain at home, where they will be out of the way of temptation, where they cannot find food for their jealousies, evil surmisings, and faultfindings, for the presence of such is only a burden to the meetings; they are clouds without water.
“Those who feel at liberty to find fault with and censure those whom God has chosen to act an important part in this last great work would better seek to be converted and to obtain the mind of Christ. Let them remember the children of Israel who were so ready to find fault with Moses, whom God had ordained to lead His people to Canaan, and to murmur against even God Himself. All these murmerers fell in the wilderness. It is easy to rebel, easy to give battle before considering matters rationally, calmly, and settling whether there is anything to war against. The children of Israel are an example to us upon whom the ends of the world are come.
“It is easier for many to question and find fault in regard to matters at Battle Creek than to tell what should be done. Some would even venture to take this responsibility, but they would soon find themselves deficient in experience and would run the work into the ground. If these talkers and faultfinders would themselves become burden bearers and pray for the labourers, they would be blessed themselves and would bless others with their godly example, with their holy influence and lives. It is easier for many to talk than to pray; such lack spirituality and holiness, and their influence is an injury to the cause of God.” IT, p. 527.
I have noticed over the years, that those who are the most vocal in criticizing missionaries, leaders and elders are those who do the least amount of missionary work. They don’t end up staying in God’s church very long either, when they become critical. They find fault with everyone it seems. If Jesus were here they would probably find fault with Him also.
IN CONCLUSION
There is one time when criticism is allowable and even encouraged. “We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected.” COL, p. 331.
“Evilspeaking has a two fold curse, falling more heavily upon the speaker than upon the hearer. He who scatters the seeds of dissension and strife reaps in his own soul the deadly fruits. The very act of looking for evil in others develops evil in those who look. By dwelling upon the faults of others, we are changed into the same image.” MH, p. 492
Every person is different on the face of this earth. Each has his/her own way of thinking and performing certain actions. If we ever hope to get along we must learn tolerance of each other’s differences here on earth. This is not only true in regular friendships and in families, but also in a church setting. Each church member is different. Although the pillars of the truth are to remain firm, each has his/her own lifestyle differences and we are to accept each person the way they are – as long as they are living up to God’s standard.
Then there are missionary workers. Whether they are ministers, canvassers, Bible workers or simply church leaders or elders, each one is different and works in a different manner. Just because one worker does not do things exactly as another worker will, this does not mean that one is wrong and one is right – or one is better than the other.
Sister White counsels that it is important to have workers move occasionally so that a church does not conform to a minister and depend wholly on him. The Lord wants members in His church that will conform to Him and this is why the counsel came to move workers. The new worker coming into an area will most likely do things in a manner completely different from the previous worker. This does not mean that the new worker is wrong – or consequently it does not mean that the previous worker was wrong either, necessitating a new worker to improve on a situation. The Lord loves His church and it is our duty to respect and help out whomever the Lord will send to lead each particular church.
So let’s not sit back and watch our workers and leaders with a critical eye – waiting to catch them in a mistake or see them getting tired. (They will get tired, as they are human). Let’s be like Aaron and Hur and quietly step in and lend a hand.
AMEN.