The ministers of the Gospel should be men who are not too easily affected by praise or criticism, but simply speak of the benefit and the glory of Christ and seek the salvation of souls. Whenever you are being praised, remember it is not you who is being praised but Christ, to whom all praise belongs. When you preach the Word of God in its purity and also live accordingly, it is not your own doing, but God's doing. And when people praise you, they really mean to praise God in you. When you understand this--and you should because 'what do you have that you did not receive?'--you will not flatter yourself on the one hand and on the other hand you will not carry yourself with the thought of resigning from the ministry when you are insulted, reproached, or persecuted." Martin Luther (1483-1546)
So true. Actually if handled correctly these little or great stinging goads can push us into greater light for more illumined examination of ourselves as to our doctrine and manner of life. Which in the end produces even more fruit, so our troubles, be they warranted or not, end up working together for our good. Amazing!
Those who tremble at offending others remove from themselves this path of refinement that is excruciating at times but so beneficial. If we are always afraid of others, of offending, straining, irritating, provoking, rebuking or admonishing or of simply not getting it right all the time...than we are really seeking to save our lives. It might be more of a selfish pride that seeks to protect, pamper and coddle our egos. Most of us are like George, on an episode said of Seinfeld when he cried out in despair..."Everyone has to like me!"
Give it up, you dont want to become the person that everyone likes...it becomes a siren call that lures you into a spiritually androgynous prison. Don't you notice that we live in a culture that mocks differences, oddities, peculiarities or individuality? Everyone pressures you to bow to the great homogeneous mass that is the norm, especially in the church. It is a emasculating pressure that leads you to bondage not freedom...resist it, it is poison.
For am I now seeking the favor of men or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. -Apostle Paul in Galatians 1:10
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