In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in what others are saying about us. We can spend hours worrying about what people say behind our backs, trying to defend ourselves, and seeking validation from others. However, the Bible teaches us to focus on our own character, effort, and response to situations.
Letting Go of the Need for Validation
In 2 Corinthians 10:18, we read, "For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." We don't need to seek validation from others; God's approval is what matters most.
Examples of Ignoring the Noise
1. Jesus and the Pharisees: Jesus faced constant criticism from the Pharisees, but he didn't engage with them. Instead, he focused on his mission and continued to preach the gospel (Matthew 23:1-39).
2. David and Saul: David was pursued by Saul, who was threatened by David's anointing and popularity. David didn't try to defend himself or retaliate; he trusted in God's protection and continued to serve the Lord (1 Samuel 24:1-22).
3. Paul and his critics: The apostle Paul faced opposition and criticism from many, but he didn't let it deter him. He continued to preach the gospel and wrote, "I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me" (1 Corinthians 4:3-4).
4. The early church: The early church faced persecution and criticism, but they didn't let it stop them. They continued to preach the gospel and grew in number (Acts 4:1-31).
5. Joseph and Potiphar's wife*: Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, but he didn't try to defend himself. He trusted in God's justice and continued to serve the Lord (Genesis 39:1-23).
6. Stephen and the Sanhedrin: Stephen was falsely accused and brought before the Sanhedrin, but he didn't fear them. He preached the gospel and trusted in God's approval (Acts 6:8-7:60).
7. Daniel and the lions' den: Daniel was thrown into the lions' den for his faith, but he didn't compromise. He trusted in God's protection and continued to pray (Daniel 6:1-28).
8. Jesus and the crowd: Jesus faced criticism and opposition from the crowd, but he didn't try to please them. He focused on his mission and continued to preach the gospel (John 6:1-71).
The Power of Focusing on God
When we focus on God and his approval, we can ignore the noise of what others say about us. We can trust that God sees our efforts and will reward us in due time (Matthew 6:1-18).
In conclusion, we can't control what others say about us, but we can control our response. Let's focus on our character, effort, and response, and trust in God's approval. As the Bible says, "Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another" (Galatians 5:26). Instead, let's focus on building our relationship with God and serving others.
