I CANNOT SPEND MY LIFE managing your opinion of me. This is a trap and a snare. I understand. Most people want others to like them. I want everyone to like me. Yet, not everyone will like you, no matter what you do. Someone said something to me the other day and I thought, “You don’t even know me. We’ve never had one heart to heart conversation.” Jesus, the greatest One to ever walk the earth was disliked by crowds of people and in fact, those who claimed to love Him crucified Him. Their opinion of Him was that He was a liar, blasphemous or even just “a good man”. The apostle Paul was constantly attacked with “evil reports” of himself and known as a “deceiver”. BUT NONE of this moved Paul. It didn’t stop him from finishing his race.
“except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:23-24
You CANNOT manage another’s opinion of you, nor can you let their opinion become the truth in your mind. A lie is still a lie, even if everyone else believes it. Back in High School, people’s opinions really mattered. If only I knew then what I know now! At least I was able to train my children to not live by another’s opinion. “If you let other people’s opinion throw shade on your vision, your confidence, or your action taking; then their opinion will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.” (John A Passaro, Wrestling Rules for Life) I lived out Mr. Passaro’s wisdom in my younger years.
“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high.” Proverbs 29:25
I feared men’s opinions of me. I know a lot of people who still do and have erred from the path of righteousness. Truth telling is costly and many are not willing to pay the cost. I learned this a long time ago, what someone thinks of you is not your business. Shake off the dust and move on. Be kind, but keep running. Forgive them and keep persevering. It’s not your job to make people like you. It’s your job to please the Lord and do His will. Do your part and God will do His.
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page