2018 was a pivotal year for me where my perspective on others started to shift. As we have walked through this season, one of the fun lessons was learning to let go of what others think. A lot of people care about what others think and I’ve been one of those people. People love to ruminate on what others say and let that affect our actions. I’ve come to realize I shouldn’t care about others’ opinions of me, but care about Jesus opinion of me. His opinion is what matters most. So why do we care so much? Because it’s human nature to want to be liked, but sometimes wanting to be liked comes at a cost when you aren’t living out your purpose. So let’s discover how to move on from others’ opinions.
Learn to let go
One of the big things I’ve learned is to let go of what others think. Start by developing a sense of worth through regular prayer. When we pray over ourselves with the truth of God, we start to believe the worth he has placed in each of us. We are all worthy and deserve to be treated with respect. Part of letting go is figuring out who can speak into your life. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, don’t gossip about you behind your back, and lean into God’s truth.
Believe what God says about you
God created us in his image. God’s design is purposeful and perfect and He created each one of us with unique gifts. Understanding what He says about us helps lead you away from caring about others’ opinions. One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” He says we are fearfully and wonderfully made, his workmanship, loved, and called into good works. When we take to heart others’ opinions, instead of what Jesus says, we set ourselves up not follow after our purpose.
Each day, let God whisper into your heart the truth of who you are and whose you are. Filter the opinions of others through the reality that just because they think it doesn’t make it true. Be brave enough to accept negative feedback as a possible call to action, but not a definition of your identity. And while you enjoy the positive feedback, refuse to get bloated by it. We need to place our identifies in the un-shifting grace of God, and keep our hearts tuned to the reassuring whispers of Jesus. (Made to Crave, Lysa TerKeurst)
Go and be bold
If you are called to something bigger than yourself, do you let others’ thoughts influence your decisions? This is where you learn to let go and here’s why. Sometimes God asks us to do something beyond our ability. This is amazing news! It should scare you, make you a little uneasy because it’s going to be big. So ask God, can I trust you as we walk into this next endeavor? Are you willing to say I will follow you Jesus wherever you lead? If so, congratulate yourself because it’s a great work only He can do. Believe in His leading and walk forward regardless of others. What is God calling you to do?
If you are so inclined to pray after reading this, here is a prayer from this past years People of the Promise Land bible study. Prayer: I am made in God’s image, empowered by God’s spirit and I am a part of God’s plan. Just know if your idea or dream is beyond your ability, God always provides a plan which is purposeful and perfect. Be excited!!
