Sometimes, it can be hard to remain unmoved by what everyone around us thinks.  Whether it’s positive or negative, the opinions of our friends- or even of strangers- can have a real impact on us.  But what about when those opinions are not favorable towards something that you know God wants you to do?  Standing for what is right isn’t always popular, and we will all face times when we have to choose between pleasing God or pleasing people.  In these moments, we have to settle within ourselves:

What difference does it make what people think of you? God is the only One who is going to judge you. (excerpt from Seeking God Daily Part 1 by Dr. Chester C. Pipkin)

And that’s the key to it all. In the end we stand before God and God alone to give an account for what we did with the life He gave us. What someone else thought about you will not matter at all. Sure, we value input from others to help see our blind spots. And often God will speak to us through those around us. But when you know something God has called you to do or not do, we have to silence all the contrary voices. Especially if those voices lead us away from Him.

I can say for myself, there are things that I have felt God directing me to do that went against the wishes of important people in my life.  And whether it was a loved one or a teacher or a boss that didn’t approve, my decisions had consequences in each case.  That’s why it’s so important to cultivate a heart that trusts God and cares more about pleasing Him than anything else.  After all, when it’s all said and done, the words of Jesus remind us what really counts:

“Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands. (Matthew 10:28 MSG)