Tom Barnard

“They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us,

they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.”

(1 John 2:19 NIV)

Fear of being rejected or discredited in Kingdom work can be devastating to us emotionally and spiritually. And when we try to please everyone in sight, we lose sight of our calling. I like this quote from children’s author Judy Blume: “Yes, rejection and criticism hurt. Get used to it.” But what if you can’t? What if your health is affected by the nasty things said about you by people known or unknown? What if some of those people threaten to walk away from you and the work you are doing for God?

I keep in my “favorite quotes” file a powerful essay by Bishop T. D. Jakes of Dallas. Listen:

“There are people who can walk away from you. And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk. People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can’t make them stay. Let them go. And it doesn’t mean they are bad; it just means that their part in the story is over … And you’ve got to know when people’s part in your story is over so that you don’t keep trying to raise the dead. ”

He concludes: “Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.”

I wish I had known that when I was younger and more susceptible to criticism. I once thought that hanging onto people was a spiritual gift. I was wrong. We can’t be held responsible for decisions others make.

One more thought. Sometimes it is better if we leave. Here are words Jesus spoke to his disciples:

“If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene.

Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.”  (Mark 6:11, The Message) 

Heavenly Father, some who are reading these words have been crippled by folk who had their own personal agendas, not Yours. Some of our readers have been accused falsely, betrayed, and even forced out of their jobs. I pray that you will help them develop a right perspective about their calling. Give them peace of mind in knowing that their accountability, first and last, is to You, not to anyone that left. You have promised to protect your children. Reinforce that truth to our hearts today. In the Savior’s Name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom for This Week

“Always look at what you have left. Never look at what you have lost.” —Robert H. Schuller