A great man was asked a rather thought-provoking question; “Why don’t you respond to all the things that people are saying about you?” His response was; “My critics won’t believe my story while my true followers don’t need my explanation.” This simple statement contains wisdom for visionaries.
Friend, do you want to go far? Do you want to fulfil God’s purpose for your life? Do you want to remain strong and relevant? Do you want to live above discouragement and depression? Then, face your front! You cannot spend the bulk of your time attending to what people are saying and expect to go far. Life is like a market, there would be noises from every quarter. You need to remain focused on your purpose. You need to face your front.
Critics won’t have job unless they see you do something (Nehemiah 6:3). And if you do nothing and end up a failure, they would still talk. So, don’t mind them. Don’t mind distractors. You must esteem your work great enough to deserve your full attention.
Don’t allow criticism to enter your heart, and don’t also allow the praise of men to enter your head; both would not help you. Critics are time wasters and energy sappers. They are wounded people looking for who to blame (Luke 7:34). Critics are visionless people who get direction from your action. Don’t mind them.
The rule of life is to face front (Acts 20:24). There must have been a reason God gave us two eyes, and they are both at the front; He wants us to face front. Stop looking back. Stop looking around. There is more ahead of you. Don’t mind the naysayers. Don’t mind those who don’t believe in you and what you are doing. Let your result speak for itself (1 Timothy 4:15).
While great leaders welcome constructive criticism, immature people swallow everything they hear. Jesus was able to manage this well (Luke 7:31-35). Your true friends don’t need your explanation. Those who are for you don’t need you to clear the air. They know you. They know your heart. They want your good. They are with you, come rain, come shine. If they need explanation, they may not be your true friends. Just move on; don’t mind them. Face your front.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria