Saturday, May 25, 2013

Not Caring What Anyone Else Thinks of You

I continue to see many "inspirational" posts on the internet concerning the liberation I would feel if I no longer cared what others think about me. I understand that the concept is born of a generation who are controlled by a drive to obtain the good opinion of others. I agree that we should not allow ourselves to be forced into thoughts or behaviors that are wrong merely to please other people. However, I fear that choosing to not care what anyone thinks of me would end up leading to stagnation of my personal growth. I am a resident physician. I have found that the criticisms of some of my mentors are weightier than the criticisms of others. I choose to care what these doctors training me think about my work taking care of patients. Obviously, for the Christ-follower, we care a great deal what God "thinks" of us. Similarly, I believe we ought to choose people whom we allow to influence us by their good opinions. I choose to care about what godly people think about my walk with the Lord. I choose to care about what good doctors think about my ability to heal. I even choose to care about what strangers think about how friendly I am. Why? Because I want to be a godly man, a good doctor, and a friendly person. I choose not to care about criticism when it would lead me away from my ideals.

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the site of God and man." Proverbs 3:3-4

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