If you live long enough, you will face opposition.
Someone won’t like the way you:
– work,
– dress,
– laugh,
– handle situations,
– or that Instagram post you put up last week.
The temptation is to withdraw and settle for a false peace—which isn’t peace at all.
That’s actually the substance bitterness is made from.
Instead of retreating, ask yourself these two questions when criticism comes your way:
—
1. Who is doing the opposing?
A one-star review on your Kindle book from user123456 shouldn’t ruin your day.
I know—it’s easier said than done. We naturally ruminate on the negative more than the positive. As they say, bad news sells. Entire industries are built on that reality.
So be intentional about putting up filters and blockers against voices that don’t have your best interest at heart. The internet has made people forget their manners. I often tell my kids: “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
—
2. Why are they opposing you?
What’s the motive behind their criticism? Do they genuinely care, or are they just trying to score points?
If someone’s just trying to highlight where you’re going wrong without any interest in your growth or good—ignore them.
At the heart of opposition is the desire to prompt change.
You oppose a politician because you don’t like what they stand for—and you want them to change. But if a person doesn’t even care whether you change or not, their opinion shouldn’t carry weight.
On the other hand, if the opposition is coming from someone who loves you—your spouse, a close friend, or a mentor—and it’s for your good or the good of others, then you better be all ears.
—
Opposition from God
“But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the Lord stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him.”
— Numbers 22:22
In Scripture, there’s even an example of someone being opposed by God—Balaam. If the “who” in your opposition is God, you’d better sit up and take notice.
He made a donkey talk to get Balaam’s attention. So trust me—He can get through to you too.
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” — James 4:6
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