Trials and Pain: Criticism and Abuse

But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.—1 Thessalonians 2:4

"Let not thy peace depend on the tongues of men," said the wise old Christian mystic, Thomas a Kempis; "for whether they judge well or ill, thou art not on that account other than thyself."

One of the first things a Christian should get used to is abuse....

To do nothing is to get abused for laziness, and to do anything is to get abused for not doing something else.

Was it not Voltaire who said that some people were like insects, they would never be noticed except that they sting? A traveler must make up his mind to go on regardless of the insects that make his trip miserable....

One thing is certain, a Christian's standing before God does not depend upon his standing before men. A high reputation does not make a man dearer to God, nor does the tongue of the slanderer influence God's attitude toward His people in any way. He knows us each one, and we stand or fall in the light of His perfect knowledge. The Next Chapter After the Last, pp. 94-95

"Lord, I know this truth, but it's so hard to 'let not thy peace depend on the tongues of men.' The stinging insects are so annoying! Give me peace in Your approval today. Amen."