“Jesus calls us to his rest, and meekness is His method. The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort.”
― A.W. Tozer, Pursuit of God
Tozer says that the “esteem of the world is not worth the effort” but what about the esteem of the Christian community? It seems we pour a lot of effort, via the internet, into getting people to like, share, and approve of our stuff. And, by stuff, I mean our lives.
Somehow we think it’s important to get the approval of others before obeying God.
Therein lies the tension. Obey God, at the disapproval of others, or take a poll to see how many agree with our decision to obey God.
In the end we have to decide whose approval we ultimately want and if it’s worth the effort.
How far backwards do you have to bend over?
How many of your own convictions do you have to throw out the window?
How much of yourself do you have to give up?
How much more do you have to become like everyone else?
The three questions we must ask are:
Is it worth it? Does their approval mean that much? What will it actually cost you to get it?
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. – Romans 8:18