What You Think

What You Think

1 Peter 3:16 "Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ."

Negative people literally disrupt the faith of a good pastor. They always find something wrong with your leadership, family, or something in the church. With just a few words they can tear down in 1 minute what it took you years to build. The older I got the more it troubled me when false statements were made about me or my ministry. It eventually took a toll on me that caused my health to be affected and my thinking as well. 

Here's some good advice I wish someone would have given me a a younger pastor:

-Be positive when negativity surrounds you.  
Smile when others try to bring you down.  It’s an easy way to maintain your enthusiasm and focus.  

-When other people treat you poorly, keep being you.  Don’t ever let someone else’s bitterness change the person you are.  You can’t take things too personally, even if it seems personal. Rarely do people do things because of you.  They do things because of them and something that is wrong in their life.

-Don’t ever change who you arejust to impress someone who says you’re not good enough.  
Change because it makes you a better person and leads you to a brighter future.  

People in the church are going to talk about you, good and bad, regardless of what you do. So worry about yourself before you worry about what others think.  If you believe strongly in something, and know it's the way God is leading you, don’t be afraid to fight for it.  Great strength comes from overcoming what others think is impossible and out living those whose tongues are full of poison.

Your life and ministry only comes around once. So do what God directs you and don't allow those who oppose you steal your smile, happiness, or faith. If God be for you, who can be against you?