When
we walk righteously before the Lord, no one else's opinion of us matters. If we
are convinced in our own spirit that God has searched us, tried us, and found
us innocent, then our critics, liars, gossips and enemies have no grounds to
accuse us (Psalm 26:1-2, 35:24).
When
we live according to His truth, we trust in the Lord without vacillating, and
His unconditional love is ours (Psalm 26:1, 3). People often make snap
judgments about us according to their own world-view and prejudices, but they never
really know us intimately.
Sometimes,
this is our fault, because we wear masks and fail to express how we really feel,
or what we really think or need or desire. We are afraid of the censure we will
receive if we open up and share who we really are with others.
Or
maybe, we have a blind spot and do not realize how our words and actions are
painful to other people. We may need someone to speak to us honestly, and explain
to us how our behavior is affecting them.
The
Christian walk is foreign to most people today. They expect us to enable them
without discretion in their poor choices by giving them validation, aid and
money. They want a free hand-out and positive affirmation for their sin.
They
resent it, if we dare to share the gospel with them, insist that Jesus is the
only way of true salvation, or to present to them the blessings of a higher
degree of service to God.
A
person's opinions or expectations of us only matters if we allow it to affect
us. We can refuse to give that much power to another human being. God is our
only judge because He is our only Master (Romans 14:4).
Prayer:
Father
God, You are the only One who can truly discern the thoughts and intents of the
heart (Hebrews 4:12). If our spirit does not condemn us, we have confidence
before You. We are Your dear children. You discipline us if we go astray, as
well as comfort us in our times of distress.
If
we are falsely accused, we stand in good company, because they also falsely
accused and crucified Jesus Christ, an innocent man. We are Your adopted
children and we will overcome any obstacle or accusation, because You, who
dwell within us, are greater than anyone who is in this world (1 John 3:21;
4:4).
Thought
for the Day:
Jesus
is our advocate with our Father God, and He intercedes for us, and litigates
our case before our righteous Judge (Romans 8:34); therefore, no one's opinion,
false accusation, or judgment of us with stand up under His scrutiny, and the
light of eternity will always reveal the truth of every matter.
