Dangerous thoughts
It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe. Proverbs 29 : 25 (GNB) |
Our passage today essentially boils down to a simple question. Are you self-conscious or God-conscious? Let's briefly explore both options and see why the writer of this proverb argues that being God-conscious is best.
When we are self-conscious by its very nature we are strongly aware of the differences in us compared to other people. These differences can make us feel uncomfortable and vulnerable. This is a normal human instinct. Those who are different are more vulnerable to attack. The same is true in the animal kingdom, a zebra walking at a different pace to the herd is probably more likely to become a lion's lunch than the others.
Because our differences can make us feel insecure it feels natural for us to turn others and see what they think. You might feel that you need to get confirmation by those around you that being different is ok. The proverb warns us that this can be a dangerous move.
This can be dangerous for a number of reasons, on a practical level pretty much anyone could share their thoughts with you, whether they are about you or anything else for that matter. However, this doesn't mean that they are well informed or that they will be constructive to you.
Secondly and more importantly we shouldn't care what other people think of us because if we trust in God their opinions of us, whether they are good, bad or indifferent do not matter. When we trust in God we can know for certain that we will be safe, we will be full of life and living for a purpose.
If we trust in God it doesn't matter if everyone else thinks that we are crazy, because we know the truth and God does too. Have a great week.
This week's song is How can it be by Lauren Daigle. |
Header image by: Steve Snodgrass via Flickr