"When They Don't Applaud" July 15 Readings: Nehemiah 1-2, Acts 13:35–52, Psalm 83:1–5, Proverbs 17:17–18

Today's Readings - Nehemiah 1-2, Acts 13:35–52, Psalm 83:1–5, Proverbs 17:17–18

Devotional - When They Don't Applaud

We all say, "I do all I do for the glory of God," but the test of that comes when people stop applauding you for the things you do. In serving the Lord, criticism is natural. Sometimes people find your faults and justly criticize you. Sometimes, they find a small fault and drive a Mack truck of criticism through it. And sometimes, they simply make it up. How we respond when the hammer of negativity falls determines much of our eternal significance in ministry. 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.

Paul had a different wisdom. 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. Anyone who wishes to make an impact for the kingdom will have to learn to deal with 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 were 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 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. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Is perseverance and faithfulness a marker of your service to God?
Is pleasing God your highest priority, even more than pleasing other people?