What Do They Think?

By Lori Scharf

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Have you ever wished you could read thoughts?

Ever stood in front of the mirror on a Sunday morning and wondered what Mrs. Smith will think of your hair, or wondered what you need to do to get accepted by that group of teens at Youth Group?

We all want others to think well of and accept us. We’ve all second guessed things we did or said and wondered if people thought that thing was stupid.

But you know what?

It doesn’t matter.

Why?

Because the only opinion you need to worry about is God’s.

I went through a period of time where I went through great lengths to be thought well of by my own group of teens. I tried to please them in every way I could, dress like them, talk like them, and took every opportunity I got to hang out with them.

Do you know what happened?

Depression and more loneliness.

Stressing about being different for other people and trying to get accepted will do nothing but drag you down.

Am I saying that you should disregard everyone’s opinions and feelings and go around offending people? No! But what I am saying is God’s opinion trumps all, and He is the first person you should worry about impressing.

God doesn’t care what your hair looks like on a Sunday morning, He just wants you to come and worship him with an open heart.

It doesn’t matter if you aren’t accepted by your peers as long as you are living your life for God.

So stop stressing about the approval of your fellow man and live a life God would be proud of.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.“

Romans 12:2, ESV

Until Next Time,

-Lori