God’s Opinion
Focus on God’s opinion, not on the opinion of others.
Reference: v.14 Remember me for this, my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services. (TNIV Bible)
Explore: It matters not
If the world has heard
Or approves or understands;
The only applause
We are meant to seek
Is that of nail-scarred hands.”
— B.J. Hoff
I love this quote… but I have to admit, it’s hard to live by. I always allow other people’s opinion to mean so much to me, when really I should only be looking to Christ for acceptance.
Application: When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem after some time, he realized that some standards had slipped. He made a decision, that was no doubt unpopular, to work towards rectifying the misdemeanors of the people. While chapter 13 explains the tough calls that Nehemiah had to make, I appreciate that he asks God to notice what he is doing. There is no doubt that God would know how Nehemiah is acting, but maybe it was a good reminder for Nehemiah himself – focus on God’s opinion, not on the opinion of others. I think we often have to remind ourselves of this too. Whether it’s a big decision we are trying to make, or an everyday situation we’re addressed with… focus on God’s opinion, not on the opinion of others.
Prayer: Lord, our desire is to please You. May we stop trying to please other people and just set our focus upon you. Amen.
What would God think about the decisions you are making?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.