WHOSE OPINION DO YOU FOLLOW?

There are many individuals who are easily swayed by the opinion of others. These individuals under such category set the opinion of others as a yardstick for making decisions and moulden their judgements about things in their lives. 

If you are an individual that is easily moved by what others think, say or perceive as a standard for something, then you're likely to make certain mistakes in life. You'll either go against yourself, convictions, or principles or you go against that of Christ (as a Christian).

We are meant to hold strong the precepts and principles of God's word. We are supposed to be mindful of what Christ thinks and what's best and right not what others think.

When people air their views, stance or perception about something or about you, it shouldn't formulate wrong thoughts about yourself or the situation.

 

Just because someone, probably a friend, relative or someone close to you says something not pleasant about you, you then feel dejected and as a result, fall into depression. This isn't right, dear friend. 

Just because a close person tells you that you aren't doing something right based on his/her conviction doesn't make it wrong. This is why our decisions and convictions should be shaped by what scripture says not what a human thinks.

For the fact a colleague says you are weak doesn't mean it's true. S/he may just perceive your humility and compassion as weakness.

 

Maybe a course mate says you're not exposed or you behave childish (based on his/her intuition) as a result of your chastity and disciplined lifestyle, doesn't mean you are. You're termed a fool or stupid because you don't take bribes, cheat, sort in school or retaliate in harsh conditions; don't mind such fellow. That's wisdom and the fear of God.

 Also, understand that if you seek to be men pleaser, you can never be a God pleaser because a man's opinion can cause you to go against God's word. The truth is, you can't please everybody. Someone may like you as a humble person but another can loathe you because of it.

Additionally, not everybody is pleased with what you're doing(in good works, that is). Not everyone will love you. So never expect it.

Be more mindful of what Christ thinks or says about you. Be interested in His instructions and command per time.

Saul, king of Israel was subject to the voice of the people even when an instruction came with precision from God through Samuel. Scripture has it that he deafened his ears to the instruction of God and payed heed to the people. 

"Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice". 1Samuel 15:24 (NKJV).

Why? What exactly prompted that? He wanted to please men. He wanted the people to be pleased with him. He sought for the appraisal and approval of men rather than God's. That's the worst thing you can do to yourself.

God has said something. I believe He said something to you but you choose to compromise because of what men would think or say about you. You compromised because you're after the approval of friends and associates forgetting that disobedience to every instruction comes with a repercussion. Saul suffered the consequences of disobedience so dearly. He lost God's presence. He lost his place (as king). He lost his throne. He lost his sanity. He lost himself.

Never loose yourself to just one careless advice or opinion you took from someone. For the fact it is your friend, father or mother saying it, doesn't mean it's right. Ask yourself, is God saying same thing about me? Is this an instruction or advice I should follow? What does God and His word say about this?

You can't loose yourself just to please others. When the consequences of the given avice comes, you'll be the only one to bear it. Those so called opinion givers won't be there to share in the aftereffect of their negative opinion/advice you adopted. It's just you. So let it pass through one ear and leave the other. 

Please, don't think this article is trying to disdain the need for advisors around you. Neither is it downplaying the need for receiving opinion from others. It doesn't mean you shouldn't take advice regarding self development from others.

If someone gives his/her opinion or advice pertaining your personal development– what needs to be worked on and can be changed– in any sphere of your life, (provided it's right), please listen. 

But if it's on something that stimulates depression (probably what you have no control of) or to compromise your principles, faith, convictions or cause you to disobey God's precepts, then that's a big NO! 

Don't let negative words trap you at a corner, whether it be from a family, friend, associate, acquaintance or stranger. Learn to filter words. Employ selective deafness always because this will save you a whole lot.

If you are not born again, you have to repent of your sins and consciously confess Christ as your Lord and Saviour. 

You cannot know and access God's thoughts for you without fully accepting Christ.

Just say this prayer of salvation: Lord Jesus, come into my heart. I receive you today as my Lord and Saviour. Forgive me of all my sins as I repent today. I receive Your Spirit and grace over my life.

Thank You Lord for saving me. In Jesus' Name.

If you made that prayer consciously, Congratulations. You are now born again.

Now, live your life righteously and purposefully. 

You can also send me a message or share your experience via my social media handle.

Facebook@ Favour Chukwudinobi

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Email@ favourcc0@gmail.com

God bless you.