“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10
Our Identity in Christ
In our search for confidence and comfort, we find our true identity in Christ. It is essential for us to recognize that our worth is not tied to the opinions of those around us. When we grasp how God sees us, we learn to navigate life without being overly influenced by others’ perceptions. We are cherished children of God, and our primary focus should be on living for Him, rather than seeking affirmation from people. This understanding frees us from the burdens of societal expectations and opinions.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Romans 8:16
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” – Romans 8:16
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Galatians 3:26
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.” – Galatians 3:26
Ephesians 1:5
“He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” – Ephesians 1:5
Finding Strength in God
As we strive to move past the opinions of others, we can draw strength from God. He empowers us to be brave and steadfast in our faith. In times of doubt and pressure, we should remind ourselves that our confidence is not grounded in human judgments, but in God’s unwavering support and guidance. When we place our trust in Him, we are equipped to face challenges and stay true to our convictions without wavering under peer pressure.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Embracing God’s Call
We are all called to service and to be instruments of love in this world. When we align our hearts with God’s calling, we focus on fulfilling His purpose rather than being weighed down by the judgments of people. Our mission is about promoting His love and truth. By embracing our calling, we naturally become less concerned about what others think and more committed to living authentically in faith.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” – Isaiah 6:8
The Power of God’s Opinion
When we prioritize God’s perspective, we find comfort and assurance in His love for us. Unlike the opinions of others, which often fluctuate and vary, God’s feelings towards us remain constant. It is His opinion that grants us worth and purpose. By focusing our hearts and minds on what God thinks of us, we become less troubled by the fleeting judgments of the world around us.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14
Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
John 15:15
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Psalm 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” – Psalm 23:1
The Importance of Godly Wisdom
When it comes to making choices, we learn the value of seeking God’s guidance over popular opinion. We find wisdom in His Word that helps us discern right from wrong. By understanding God’s teachings, we can filter out distractions and focus on living according to His will. This process allows us to navigate life with clarity and confidence, focusing less on what others think.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Proverbs 4:7
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7
Ecclesiastes 7:12
“Wisdom preserves those who have it.” – Ecclesiastes 7:12
Living Fearlessly for Christ
We are called to live boldly and courageously, standing firm in our faith. When we choose to prioritize God over the opinions of others, we can become beacons of His love and truth. Sharing this truth may sometimes lead to criticism or misunderstanding, but through courage, we will emerge stronger in our faith. Let us embrace our identity as followers of Christ, living without fear of judgment.
1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18
Matthew 10:28
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28
1 Corinthians 16:13
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13
Hebrews 13:6
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’” – Hebrews 13:6
2 Corinthians 5:9
“So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” – 2 Corinthians 5:9
Final Thoughts
In our lives, it can be tempting to care too much about what others think of us. However, through the letters and stories found in the Bible, we learn that our real value comes from God and how He sees us. He calls us His children, which means we don’t have to worry about fitting into anyone else’s mold or meeting their expectations. We can instead focus on serving Him and living out the purpose He has set for us.
When we find our strength in God and prioritize His opinion, we can live fearlessly and joyfully. It is about creating lives that reflect His love rather than being distracted by the fluctuating opinions of others. Let us pursue godly wisdom, embrace our identity in Christ, and boldly share His message, knowing we do not walk this path alone.
As we continue to grow in our faith, let us encourage each other to find comfort and assurance in God’s love. If you’d like to read more about topics related to our faith, consider exploring gaining the world and losing your soul or freedom in Jesus.