I’ve heard it said, “It’s none of your business what someone else thinks of you.” While I agree with this statement to a point, I do believe we have a responsibility as Christians to be concerned about how others view us.
“A good name is better than fine perfume….” -- Ecclesiastes 7:1 (NIV)
Paul speaks to this very subject. In his letter to the Corinthians, he explains his desire to be seen as a Christ follower. Therefore, following his conversion, he conducted himself in ways that led people to the conclusion he was a servant of Christ and a steward of God’s Word.
“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” -- 1 Corinthians 4:1 (NASB)
But — our responsibility starts and stops with our ability to conduct ourselves in God-honoring ways. Therefore, we should be aware of what others think of us, but we can’t allow ourselves to fret and worry when we get rejected. While we can influence how others perceive us by controlling our actions, behaviors, and words, we can’t make people accept us, believe us, or even like us — if they choose not to. Our job is to do our very best to pursue truth and behave appropriately — what others choose to believe is up to them.
Criticism and rejection are very much a part of life. No matter who we are, how we act, or what we believe, someone is going to reject us. If we allow it to, rejection can affect how we view ourselves. Instead, we must courageously accept the reality of rejection, make wise choices regarding how we will deal with it, and place our focus on how God sees us — and not man.
Some rejection is more damaging than others. When a child is rejected by a parent or caretaker, the damage can be deep and long-lasting. When a teen is rejected by his or her peers, the hurt can sometimes cause them to withdraw, act-out, or even hurt themselves. When we are rejected by someone we love, the pain can cause us to sink into despair, feeling as though we are unworthy of love, and tempting us to make poor decisions in an effort to try to hold on to the unhealthy relationship. The good news is, we can heal from these and other rejections when we experience them –– if we make the courageous decision to do so.
There is one person who will never reject us, who longs for us to embrace the love He has for us and who will not only heal our scars but will give us the courage to view ourselves in His light, stand firm in truth over lies and persevere as we seek out others who can give us the love and acceptance we need and deserve –– our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We must remember, we are not alone when we are rejected, Christ experienced rejection from many people –– and still does to this very day. We can learn by His example. When others reject us — and they will, we must keep our focus on God and surround ourselves with people who will support and encourage us.
“For not even His brothers were believing in Him.”
John 7:5 (NASB)
Begin today courageously facing rejection by implementing the following 3 steps and memorize the following two scriptures.
3 Steps to Facing Rejection with Courage:
- Accept the reality of rejection
- Decide in advance how you plan to respond to rejection
- Keep your focus on God’s view of you –– not man’s
Scripture Memorization:
Psalm 139:14 (NASB)
“I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.”
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NASB)
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ.”
*Scriptures (unless otherwise noted) are taken from NASB, 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995)
