“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” –Galatians 1:10
Let’s be honest, people LOVE to disagree. It’s one of their favorite activities. It really doesn’t matter WHAT you say, there will always be a possible objection. Take the topic of the World Race, for example: If I’m excited about the beauty of the cultures, I’m “not focused on the Gospel.” If I’m focused on the Gospel, I “should be focusing on the mission field in America.” People will never ALL be happy. It’s gotten to where I just don’t even want to open my mouth.
Criticism is often difficult for me, particularly when it’s under the guise of “spiritual advice” because I cannot bear for people to think I’m not truly seeking God, or that I’m living for myself, when I know that I’m doing all that I can to honor Him. Fear of unjust criticism, and wondering how I would justify myself has almost entirely kept me from sharing my excitement about the World Race thus far. Today, the Lord reminded me that this is ALL WRONG!
When people question your motives, remember that
The LORD knows your heart.
Believe it or not, it isn’t their good opinion that we are to seek.
Not our best friend’s,
Not our peers’,
Not our dad’s,
Not our pastor’s,
but
HIS.
If the Lord is pleased with my heart, no human opinion can change that.
We simply cannot live in freedom if we are enslaved to the opinions of those around us. So this week I pray that each and every one of us will fling off fear of judgement, stop living to please people, and start living to please God!!!
