Acts 6:8-15 NKJV
[8] And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. [9] Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen, [10] and they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. [11] Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” [12] And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. [13] They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; [14] for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” [15] And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
Over the past few years, I have come to believe a few simple truths.
1. I can not control what people say, think, and do.
2. I don't rely on the affirmation or approval of others to keep me spiritually motivated.
3. I don't have to defend the truth.
If you have ever had someone lie about you or believe a lie about you, you understand how frustrating it can be. I have had the unfortunate experience of being misjudged because of false accusations. In my case, it was damaging to my reputation. Lord knows my past hasn't exactly polished the opinions some people have of me.
We can't force anyone to believe what they want to believe. It makes no difference whether they are right or wrong. That is one of the liberties of free will. What we choose to do despite what others say or do is a direct reflection of our character... not theirs. I may be wrongfully judged by my peers. That is okay. I know that one day, I will stand before God and be judged in truth. What God knows about me is far more important than what others choose to believe about me.
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