1 Peter 4:16 (NLT)
When you stand for the truth and do what’s right, there’s no need to be ashamed or embarrassed.
Let me ask you: Is an insult or a putdown going to define you? No. Is somebody calling you a name or labeling you because you’ve made a stand for Christ going to truly harm you? No. Is some troll online who’s trying to bait you and start arguments going to take you down? No.
None of these things have to control your life. In fact, none of these things have to make any real impact on you at all. Here’s a vital truth: You don’t need other people’s approval to be happy. Understanding this truth will liberate your life.
Maybe you’ve been trying to fit in with a certain group or get the approval of a certain person for many years. I hate to tell you, but if you haven’t gotten it by now, you may never get it. The good news is you don’t need it! You don’t need anybody’s approval in order to be happy.
No matter what you do in life, somebody’s not going to like it. You can’t avoid disapproval. So if you’re going to have people’s disapproval either way, you may as well have their disapproval for doing the right thing rather than the wrong thing.
As you face opposition, remember this: If other people’s opinions matter more to you than God’s opinion, you’re going to crumble when you’re attacked because of your faith in Jesus. But if you focus on God and on what you know is right, then you can take a firm stand.
Be encouraged by these words: “Stand firm against [the devil], and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are”
When you stand for the truth and do what’s right, there’s no need to be ashamed or embarrassed.
Let me ask you: Is an insult or a putdown going to define you? No. Is somebody calling you a name or labeling you because you’ve made a stand for Christ going to truly harm you? No. Is some troll online who’s trying to bait you and start arguments going to take you down? No.
None of these things have to control your life. In fact, none of these things have to make any real impact on you at all. Here’s a vital truth: You don’t need other people’s approval to be happy. Understanding this truth will liberate your life.
Maybe you’ve been trying to fit in with a certain group or get the approval of a certain person for many years. I hate to tell you, but if you haven’t gotten it by now, you may never get it. The good news is you don’t need it! You don’t need anybody’s approval in order to be happy.
No matter what you do in life, somebody’s not going to like it. You can’t avoid disapproval. So if you’re going to have people’s disapproval either way, you may as well have their disapproval for doing the right thing rather than the wrong thing.
As you face opposition, remember this: If other people’s opinions matter more to you than God’s opinion, you’re going to crumble when you’re attacked because of your faith in Jesus. But if you focus on God and on what you know is right, then you can take a firm stand.
Be encouraged by these words: “Stand firm against [the devil], and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are”
(1 Peter 5:9 NLT).
Talk It Over
When you have a chance to stand for truth, does your desire for approval affect how you respond to the situation?
Where can you find the encouragement you need to stand firm when people oppose your faith?
When people disapprove of you because of your faith, how does it give you strength to know that believers all over the world are suffering for their faith?
- by Pastor Rick
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Prayer:
Father,
Grant us the courage to stand firm in Your truth, even if it means disapproval from the world. We confess that at times we have been more concerned with what others think of us than with what You think of us. Forgive us for prioritizing earthly validation over Your divine approval. We turn away from this tendency now and desire to live solely to please You. Father, in the Name of Jesus, we sever every ungodly tie to the need for human approval. Lord Jesus, break the power of the fear of man over our lives. Holy Spirit, fill us with a deep and unwavering desire for God’s approval above all else. We reject every spirit of people-pleasing that hinders our walk with You. Father, help us to find our identity and security in You alone. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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