Comments on: Letting Go of What People Think

By: Robin Richards

Robin Richards — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:28:31 +0000

After reading this, I’d like to ask you all who read my comment here to please pray for me in this matter. God is indeed moving me out of my comfort zone, and I am obeying His prompting, but I get so caught up in what others think, especially at church. Would you please agree with me in prayer for God to give me continued affirmation, wisdom and boldness to take a stand for Christ in whatever way He leads, whether that is being the only one standing in a worship service, or my continued praying at the alter before service. It is hard to be a change agent, but I don’t want to hinder His Spirit and the work He wants to do through me. Thanks, I really apprecaite it.

By: The Marshian Chronicles » Prayer Request & Short Rounds # 139

The Marshian Chronicles » Prayer Request & Short Rounds # 139 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:02:17 +0000

[...] Letting Go of What People Think - you just gotta do it! [...]

By: Ruth

Ruth — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:59:48 +0000

Ken,
Yes of course there is a balance. Even Pastors must have people who speak into their lives. I don’t think the author of the post was trying to deny that fact…but rather he was focusing upon the truth that sometimes leaders can be “lead” by all of the voices they hear around them instead of the voice of God. When any leader leads based simply upon the opinions of others or because he fears the reactions of others he can end up in a ditch. There are always two sides of the coin and I imagine that if we read long enough we’ll see a post on the flip side..

By: Gerald Malloy

Gerald Malloy — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:42:58 +0000

Such a simple truth yet so hard to do. Thanks for the reminder!

By: Deneen Levy

Deneen Levy — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:11:24 +0000

As Galatians 1:10 says, “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”, teach us Lord to live for your approval alone

By: Rev. Diane

Rev. Diane — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:17:22 +0000

Equally as limiting is what we think of ourselves. Does someone who thinks he or she is a great preacher but isn’t have ears to hear criticism that would be cause for improvement?

By: Ruth

Ruth — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:47:24 +0000

Dean there are many Scriptures that deal with the voice of God….and Scriptures that let us know that we can be led by the Holy Spirit.

By: Dean Hewitt

Dean Hewitt — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:27:34 +0000

Following God’s voice? really now…Where does the doctrine of voice following fit into Bible believing Christianity? Do not we already pocess everything God would have us to know and utilize in the scriptures?…rightly divided of course?

By: Ken Eastburn

Ken Eastburn — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:15:42 +0000

Amen…but,

Is there a place for heeding the instruction/criticism of others?

I think the overall point of this post is good, but you are running the risk if making this just as one-sided as the other extreme, resulting in pastors doing whatever they think is best, whatever they feel like God is telling them (whether he is or not), to the destruction of themselves and their communities.

We need to have both, I think. We need to resolve in our hearts to follow God and ALSO heed the instruction of trusted people who have covenanted with us to be honest with us, pray with us, and criticize us when appropriate.

Remember…we are not in this alone. It is not just “me and Jesus” - even if we are pastors.

By: Rob’s Daily LifeStream Digest for November 5th | robwestbrook.com

Rob’s Daily LifeStream Digest for November 5th | robwestbrook.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:07:46 +0000

[...] LifeStream Digest for November 5thOn November 5th, Rob added 12 items to his LifeStream. Shared Letting Go of What People Think. Getting prepared for Sunday — at LifePointe Church http://gowal.la/s/mCw [robwestbrook] [...]

By: Dama McKennell

Dama McKennell — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:32:23 +0000

I believe that brokenness has a lot to do with how much weight you put in what people think of you. Once you have been thoroughly broken, gone through the life experience in the ministry where you are not sure if God is who He says He is and if He is why would He would allow so much pain to be in your life. I think it is on the other side of broken, you can say, “Although none go with me still I will follow.” When you see His light and guidance on the other side of broken and you realize that the opinions of man are just that and that His will, His ways are higher and mightier and good.

By: Zane

Zane — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:04:47 +0000

this reminded me of what has become one of my favorite verses in 1 Corinithians 4, “I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.”

there are times when we should be concerned about what people say and do but I also like what Gamaliel said to the Sanhedrin in Acts 5, “Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

By: Christian Haiku

Christian Haiku — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:39:28 +0000

Man’s affimation
Jesus didn’t need any
And neither should we
John 2:25

By: Ron

Ron — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:08:17 +0000

Church leaders, (especially pastors), should set an agenda based upon what God wants and their calling, not the varied opinions of people in the congregation. It makes no sense for God to call a person into to the ministry, and then set that calling aside to do what someone else wants him to do. That’s one reason why pastors end up bitter and spent.

Setting your own agenda flies in the face of most church-govement systems, but if possible, it should be done. Trying to appease the desires of the congregation is not the way to lead. This is why many churches are in serious trouble - the leaders are like chameleons who become what the people want them to become, and the blame the pastor for the lack of growth (and then fire him).

By: Jenn Cady

Jenn Cady — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:45:17 +0000

(cycleguy) Agree with this 100%!!!”This has been, without a doubt, one of the hardest obstacles that I have had to deal with.” This post speaks volumes to me. I will take it.

By: rahul

rahul — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:12:32 +0000

Wow, I just talked about this with a guy I’m discipling. I’ve recently been overcoming this with God’s grace. Thanks.

By: rusty jarrett

rusty jarrett — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:38:22 +0000

wow so true sounds like one of my fathers sayings. really been enjoying this site.

By: chejoo

chejoo — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:23:33 +0000

Amen!!!!!!!
Craig, can I have your permission to post this on my blog?

By: Todd

Todd — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:47 +0000

A refusal to please people can equal a death sentence, but it is the best kind of death. Being released from allowing your life to be directed by people who honestly have no interest in you other than what they can get you to do is liberating beyond measure. Freedom in ministry and life is something that can not be fully explained. It has to be experienced.

By: Lori Biddle

Lori Biddle — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:29:04 +0000

Needed to see this today! My pastor and wife feel betrayed by yet another dissatisfied parishioner. I will pass this encouragement on to them…(I think my short lived experience as a high school cheerleader has been more useful than any other skill I learned for ministry!) ha ha