Few things in life have such an effect on our self-esteem as the judgments that people pass on us, whether good or bad. Let’s take a moment to reflect on how infinitely vast and powerful God is and how vital His judgments are over anyone else’s. Take, for example, how God drove the great ancient king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, into the wilderness with madness (like a beast), stripping him of all pride and his lofty position (Daniel 4:28-36). He was restored to his right mind and position only when he praised the God of Heaven and recognized His everlasting dominion:
And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, “What have You done?” – Daniel 4:34-35
No earthly power or influence can separate us from God’s love. When God loves us, we are esteemed by Him higher than anyone ever could here in this world. If we are regarded this way by the highest authority in the heavens and earth, then what sense does it make to be influenced by the passing judgments that people make of us. We have all done shameful things in the past. I’m confident that my reputation has been tainted in more than one person’s mind. Our past failures help to shape our future successes as children of God and lead us onward towards the day of glorious perfection with Christ.
Our resolve to get up after we fall and continue to walk close to God by faith, even though we might not deserve His favor, is what pleases Him. Even the most recent transgressions which you may have committed become the past. God presently holds our future, and our past sins are nothing to Him when we have recognized our sinfulness and repented! Repentance procures the needed forgiveness that can help us to live right with the confidence of our standing before God’s judgments with a clear conscience (1 Peter 3:16-22).
We are never tainted in God’s eyes when we have been washed clean by the precious blood of the Lamb. We have access to the Throne of Grace where we can be honest with God and cast all our cares upon Him knowing He cares for us (1 Peter 5:6-11). After that, there is no need to be influenced by judgments that may arise from the world through demonic accusation. There are so many variables in this world that can shake us and disorient us from the path of grace. Don’t let them persuade you that you have no sure and lasting hope. You do, and always will when leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus Christ.
