They Really, Really...Like Me!

Unfortunately, there's going to be those 10 people that can't stand you. The 8 individuals who wished you'd just shut up. Those 5 critics who usually speak about you in a negative light. And the 1 friend or family member who would rather not hear about Jesus, especially from you.

"Likability is overrated!"

Let's face it; people just don't want to hear the truth, even the tactful, loving and gentle truth. But they would prefer, "Just tell me what I want to hear...and be done with it! Or, if you entertain me a lot; I might come back to hear more!" Many churches today have very selective audiences that rarely want to be challenged. So don't be surprised or become shocked when everyone doesn't love you. When they could care less about what you're telling them, no matter how life transforming it may be.

Speak the Word boldly, obey God and be the best you that you can be. People are responsible for their own actions; what they choose to or not to believe is their decision. So if they intentionally choose POOR DECISIONS after hearing truth, that's on them not you. Don't always feel like people are rejecting you when they're actually rejecting God. Remember, God is the One keeping score.

"Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God." (1 John 3:19) NLT

Pastor, Christian leader or Jesus follower your confidence shouldn't rely on people but rather on God. So instead of focusing on the hand few of people that rejected you; your attention can be more focused on the many that didn't. The ones that are being truly ministered to by the voice of God. The ones who are having their minds renewed, hearts touched. Keep letting God use you for His glory, not yours. 

Again, everyone doesn't love you! And everyone doesn't like you! Matter of fact, everyone doesn't even care for God! Let's realize that on a continual basis and stay away from approval addiction. A great sign of a growing follower or good leader is when they fully start to understand:

"Life doesn't revolve around me!"

Joyce Meyer's book Approval Addiction brings many of these points home. Check it out here: