Acts 28:1-6 NKJV

[1] Now, when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. [2] And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. [3] But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. [4] So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” [5] But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. [6] However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

We encounter some form of judgment almost every day in some way, shape, or form. The way we drive, how we speak to others, and the way we carry ourselves; all of it is under some kind of scrutiny. If you're quiet, you are probably arrogant. If you are meek, you must be weak.

When I tell people that I follow Jesus, I know all too well that every word and every action is going to be placed under a proverbial microscope. Is he sincere? Does his character line up with his words? If I act like Jesus, my faith checks out. If I act like a fool, I am no different from the rest of the world.

The people Paul encountered knew nothing about his past. They knew nothing of him, but they used an angry snake to draw conclusions about his character. When the snake bite didn't affect him, their opinions quickly changed.

I can't follow Jesus and make everyone happy. If I busy myself with seeking the approval of other people, I will take my eyes off of what is important. My end goal isn't to prove or disprove my identity to another person. My objective is to end each day feeling closer to God, being more intune with the Holy Spirit, and appearing more like Jesus.