“This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.” 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Dear Jesus, Criticism is ubiquitous. We all receive it. No one escapes. When I was younger you watched as I let criticism drive me crazy. I wanted to please everyone. I tried desperately to manage my own reputation. I watched my peers get into fights and arguments as they tried to manage theirs. It is futile. No one is spoken well of by everyone all the time. I love how Paul says, “I care very little if I am judged by you.” I have clung to that verse since the day I first read it. It’s my goal to care very little what people think, not because I don’t care about them but because I don’t care so much about me. Since you have justified me through your cross, I can endure criticism, admit my faults and mistakes, apologize to those I hurt and move on knowing that with you it’s settled. With them, well, that’s up to them. I cannot control their thoughts, their tongue or their actions. What freedom the gospel brings to my everyday life. I look forward to judgment day, not because I have been so good but because your grace has been so powerful. It is the spiritual wonder cleanser. My motives have been changed by the adoption and cleansing you have given me. May my life be a thank offering, a tribute to your grace and mercy today. Amen.

When God arrests you and brings you to his court for justification, you care less about what people outside are thinking and saying.