I ran across a really cool verse in Isaiah this morning:
Listen to me, you who know right from wrong, you who cherish my law in your hearts. Do not be afraid of people’s scorn, nor fear their insults.
Isaiah 51:7
In American culture today, we’re terrified of what everyone else will think of us: Our friends, our government, our churchmates, even strangers walking down the street. We dress a certain way, keep our houses and yards in order, and drive certain cars… just so that we won’t be judged. Then someone walks up and insinuates that they don’t like us, and we’re devastated.
The desire to be accepted is so pervasive in American society that we don’t even realize it. Sure, we know that people do things to “fit in,” but it’s been pushed into our minds until it’s a part of our identity.
I remember hearing a very successful American businessperson explaining why he could deal with foreign commerce. These non-American business concerns had all realized that they could totally take advantage of and manipulate any American just by suggesting that they didn’t like the American. Used right, the foreign interests ruled the day. “I don’t care if they don’t like me,” the successful businessperson explained. “I’m in this for the business deal, not to make them like me.” Using this strategy, he didn’t play the acceptance game and therefore was able to negotiate contracts that were beneficial to both his businesses and the overseas interests.
The truth we all know – and yet most of us struggle to accept – is that not everyone will like us, accept us, or appreciate us. You can’t be friends with everyone. Some people will hate you – even if you’ve done nothing to deserve it.
This is where Isaiah 51:7 comes into play. If you love God, then you are commanded – not just told that you can but actually commanded – to not be afraid of others’ scorn and insults.
It’s the antithesis of American culture, but we can still find victory in this area. God is a God of miracles, and He’s also the God of Love. We are always loved and accepted by Him as dearly loved children (Ephesians 5:1). As the psalmist wrote, “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord would welcome and comfort me” (Psalm 27:10). It’s a lot easier to not be afraid of people when our eyes are on what God sees in us than what others might – or might not – be thinking about us.
