When it comes to criticism, there are a certain statements that feel like a knife to the heart. And while your zeal, passion, and motivation are constantly at war with the opinions of others, many of us will come to realize that God has called us to do the very thing we are being mocked for. The real question is, will you follow the calling God has given you, or will you give up because of the opinions that oppose you?
Have you ever been told one of the following?
1. “You’re too young.”
2. “You’re not ready yet.”
4. “You’re not talented enough.”
3. “You don’t have enough experience.”
Regardless of your age and experience, God sits in the captain’s chair of our lives. The opinions of others have no bearing on your God-given destiny. Your future is in his hands, and nothing anyone does or says can sink that massive ship. I want to encourage you to ignore the haters, accept loving criticism, and follow God’s guidance.
What are you called to do?
– Be a pastor?
– Write a book?
– Start a non-profit?
– Find the cure for Cancer?
– Start your own company?
– Take over the family business?
– Bring hope to the foster children of Uganda?
– Provide food and water for the impoverished cities of India?
– Fight for the freedom of sex-trafficking victims?
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” –1 Timothy 4:12
And while so many of us in today’s Christian society can quote 1 Timothy 4:12, how many of us are actually backing it up? I mean, c’mon! We can talk about CHANGE all we want, but I’d rather do something about it. You may be young, but you can still pack a mighty punch in this world. Don’t get me wrong. You may fail a few times before getting it right, but at least you are standing up for what you believe in. Bravo for pursuing the calling God has given you. Keep going!
I was once told blogging would get me nowhere, that writing books wasn’t a realistic dream for me to accomplish, and that I was better suited for certain types of ministries rather than others. I’m positive God instilled a passion within me that said otherwise. And while I took the criticism for what it was worth, I still didn’t let it hinder me from pursuing what I was called to do—neither should you!
We’re all on the same team. It’s time for us to work together and pursue our individuals callings while supporting the passions of others. You may be young, but you’ve got a BIG GOD. Don’t give up.
