Thoughts for the Day

Listen to me, you who know righteousness,
you people who have my teaching in your hearts;
do not fear the reproach of others,
and do not be dismayed when they revile you.
For the moth will eat them up like a garment,
and the worm will eat them like wool;
but my deliverance will be for ever,
and my salvation to all generations.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Politicians and public figures are accustomed to being criticised, though comments on social media seem to have recently got out of hand. Posting that you will come round and "beat them up" (or worse) because they have criticised your favourite football player is hate crime. However those who have put their head above the parapet have always found themselves open to criticism. Local Councillors, Head Teachers, and Church leaders are among many who have faced constant attacks over the years. Those using social media, and in particular teenagers, can also quickly find their posts come under attack.

As a child my mother would quote the old saying "Sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt you". But sometimes words do hurt you, and we can feel as though we are being beaten down by constant criticism. It can affect the way we live, causing us to hide away from those who are negative towards us, and making us feel vulnerable and depressed.

Isaiah knows that the words of others should not be allowed to affect us. However, we should also examine what we are saying and doing, and ask questions of ourself: "Am I doing or saying something that is consistent with what God would want?" Or "How is what I am doing or saying consistent with loving my neighbour?" What matters is that God knows that we are trying to live the kind of life that He wants, and that He will offer us forgiveness when we confess our mistakes. Then may we follow His wishes with a clear conscience as we continue His work in the world.

Heavenly Father,
when others criticise and ridicule us
because of our faith in You,
help us to be sure that we are doing Your will,
and then continue to spread Your word
through our words and our actions,
confident that we are carrying out Your wishes.
Keep us firm in our faith,
no matter the provocation,
and bring us at the last into Your Kingdom.
Amen.