Nougat 29

As Christian believers, there’s usually someone who is interested in us. Living under continued scrutiny isn’t always easy, but it can be dealt with. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat

1 Corinthians 4:3-4 CEVDCI

[3] it doesn’t matter to me if I am judged by you or even by a court of law. In fact, I don’t judge myself.

[4] I don’t know of anything against me, but this doesn’t prove I am right. The Lord is my judge.

Living in a Fishbowl

We live in a world where everyone has opinions about different issues. These opinions can be general, unspoken, and often are unsolicited. Yet, public opinion, though unsolicited, is often aired, with or without the benefit of corroborating facts. As believers, we may found ourselves caught in the crosshairs of public opinion.

Self-Check

What role does public opinion play in our lives, and how do we respond when we are the subject of the conversation?

Application

Siblings, in our Nougat, Paul clearly stated that he did not care about public opinion. Folks were welcomed to talk about him or not, it wasn’t his concern. His priority was ensuring that he had a favourable assessment from God. That is a commendable approach, especially as a leader.

Please note, this does not mean that we ignore what others say. Many comments are intended to help us improve our serve, and might offer positive feedback. But leadership can be lonely and off-putting. It comes with unsolicited scrutiny internally and externally. Google AI suggests that ..elected officials face online abuse in a regular basis. As many as 96% of parliamentarians in some regions report harassment on social media platforms.

They are not the only targets, all leaders are potential targets. Studies have also indicated that women in leadership tend to undergo more scrutiny and abuse than men. Christian leaders are not exempt from harassment. Even Moses faced criticism.

With online harassment of leaders tending, it is critical that we are not only aware that this happens, but that we also a) seek our affirmation from God, and b) ensure that we are not also part of the problem. When we understand ourselves as being ‘in God’s service’ in any sector of life, then whatever we do – in word or deed – we do it for God’s glory and not our own (see 1 Corinthians 10:31). That approach covers both a and b, and ensures that we remain in God’s will as Christ’s ambassadors.

Moreover, that approach has the potential to point others to Christ, which is an important aspect of our spiritual mandate (see Matthew 5:16). The reality is, when the noise fades, it is Christ Who restores us and Christ Who assesses the true quality of our work on earth. We say no to mediocrity, but more critically, let us like Paul ensure that we aim to please the One Who has called and equipped us.

Point to Ponder

How often do we turn to Christ for guidance as we go about our work, play or studies? When invited to offer feedback, do our responses reflect Christ?

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May all we seek be found in Christ