Why Do I Care So Much About What Others Think?
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (NASB)
Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. 3 But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. 4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. 5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.
SUMMARY
Paul thinks of himself and his coworkers as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. A servant is not a slave, but a free man who follows the orders of his master, and stewards are those who have been entrusted with taking care of their master’s assets and properties. He emphasizes that trustworthiness is required for stewards. Paul talks about the different judgements and explains that the human judgement is a very small thing and declares that only God can judge. Therefore, we should not pass judgement but rather focus our attention only on God who will bring to light our dark secrets, reveal our motives, and give us praise.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
Paul talks about judgements and how judgement by others including our own is “a very small thing” (v. 3). Judgement belongs to God. God’s judgement is the only real and true judgement because only God knows everything, every hidden thoughts, struggles and secrets “who will bring to light the things hidden in the darkness” (v. 5). Only God can see what’s in people’s hearts. We can only see what’s on the surface and the actions of men, but God sees the “motives of men’s hearts” (v. 5).
I was also reminded that while I can try to avoid or ignore judgements of others, I cannot avoid God’s judgement. I need to refocus like Paul says and focus only on God and not worry about people’s thoughts and opinions.
APPLICATION
Why do I care so much about what others think? Even as I write, I’m thinking about what and how much to share without feeling too vulnerable. I’m worrying about what people may think of me rather just letting the Spirit lead me to share from the heart. It’s so easy to judge and get judged. I don’t often think about what God thinks of me but rather what a friend or even some stranger may think of me. Where is my priority? It’s so off.
God humbled me through today’s passage and gave me new perspective. I have been a fool thinking that I was wise enough to judge. I have been a fool relying on wisdoms of human. I have been a fool wasting time thinking about what everyone else thinks but God.
I will shift my thinking and remember to ask myself what God thinks of me. Whenever I catch myself judging or thinking about what others think of me, I will remind myself that that’s God’s job and only He has the capability to make a sound and complete judgement.
This also comes in perfect timing to share with my daughters as they transition into junior high and high school. It’s a tender age and I know they’ve struggled with being judged by peers. I will share this truth with them so that they can stand firm and not get swayed by what their peers think.
PRAYER
Thank You, Jesus, for allowing me to serve You freely and entrusting me with Your mysteries. Thank You for Your message today and breaking me free from judgements of others and teaching me to focus on Your judgements only. Forgive me for fearing men rather than You and placing importance on what people think rather than on what You think. Please guide me as I explain this truth to my daughters. May it resonate with them and may we focus on what You think of us. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!
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