When They Don't Applaud - July 14 Readings: Ezra 9-10, Acts 13:13–34, Psalm 82, Proverbs 17:14–16

Links to Today's Readings

The list of my failings as a man and a pastor is long, but one of my biggest struggles is dealing with people who reject me, criticize me or resist what I am doing. I tend to either get angry and strike back (usually with my big fat mouth) or I crumble into a puddle of goo and spend days in a dark mood obsessing over the criticism. Often, my response is some combination of the two extremes.

I need the wisdom and courage of the Apostle Paul. He was a human being and I'm sure the rejection and criticism hurt his feelings. But he never let these things destroy him or derail him from the work God gave him. As a matter of fact, it is one of the keys to success in God's work - anyone who serves God will be criticized. And anyone who wishes to make an impact for the kingdom will have to learn to deal with that criticism.

In Acts 13, Paul was in Pisidian Antioch on the first of his missionary journeys and as usual the reaction was mixed. Some latched on to his message and believed in Jesus Christ. Others, though, rejected what he taught. Usually, they did so because of personal reasons - their personal power and control was threatened.

Paul preached often about unity, about love, about trying to make things right and living in peace, but he did not let his critics control his life. He was not cruel or insensitive, but he continued doing God's work regardless of what others said, how they responded, or how they treated him. His life was about the Kingdom of God, not about himself, so what people thought of him was secondary to obedience to Christ.

In Acts 13:46, when the Jewish leaders rejected the gospel and rejected Paul, he simply turned his attention to the Gentiles and began to proclaim Christ to them. The response was enthusiastic. Many came to faith in Christ.

That did not make his detractors happy and the opposition grew, bursting out in verses 49-50 into a full-fledged persecution. What did Paul do then? According to verse 51, he shook the dust off his feet and moved on to Iconium to proclaim Christ there. He did not let criticism or resistance derail him from the purposes of God.

Again, this is no excuse for being calloused toward the feelings of others, but servants of God cannot be enslaved to criticism, opposition and false accusation. We serve him and must continue to do so whether people like us, whether they speak well of us, whether they support us, or not.

Father, too often I have lived by the opinions of others instead of giving myself fully to your work. Forgive me and strengthen me to live solely for your glory.