Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. (Acts 28:6)
The opinion of people is fickle. It keeps changing and is motivated by events around you and not by the love of God, that’s why it is unnecessary to give it any value.
In our main verse, we see an account where Paul, escaping the sea reached an island called Melita. He was welcomed there and while putting up a fire, a venomous viper fastened itself on his hand. While he shook the viper and put it in fire, the islanders thought the snake attacking him was a result of Paul’s sins and waited for him to die. However, when nothing happened to Paul even after a good time, Bible says they “changed their mind and said he was a god”. That’s how quickly people change their opinion based on circumstances. (Ref. Acts 28:1-6)
Never try to live your life based on the opinion of people of this world. People who run their lives based on the verdict of men easily become frustrated and despondent. As a child of God, your success in life has nothing to do with the opinion of people. Therefore, don’t worry about what others think or say about you. Our Lord Jesus said, “…Ye…justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts:for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Luke16:15). The opinion of men about you doesn’t count at all; they are useless before God. Live above, opinions of others.
Confession:
Dear Father, thank you for making me a success for you and with you. I do not consider the opinions of men. I only consider the opinion of my Heavenly Father and my leaders in Christ. I am who God says I am. Amen!
