Fearing What Others Think
My prayer journal entry from December 1st, 2020
You’ll often hear… “Stop worrying about and caring what other people think.” This is admittedly one of those things that I think is way easier said than done. I think most people want to be liked. I like being liked.
I bring it up because as we prepared to record podcast Episode 130 in December of 2020, I was concerned what people might think of me having a group of people (hosts, guests, and videographer) in a small room for this Mastermind Episode due to the Covid-19 pandemic…
[Retyped and elaborated for clarity and context.]
Tuesday, December 1st 2020 7:54a
Jesus-
Tonight we are set to record episode 130 of the WHOA GNV Podcast, a mastermind episode on the topic of Business and Covid-19. I have even debated within whether or not we should host in-person podcasts, the perception of others, etc. so please keep our team and guests healthy. [Full transparency… I was more afraid of people’s perceptions of us all gathered in a small space than I was of actually contracting Covid-19.] I not only want but need more in-person interaction. [Normally, I’m an extroverted introvert, lol. I’m naturally more introverted, but when I’m on a microphone, in front of a camera, speaking on stage, or in a business environment… I’m totally extroverted. I naturally want to help people succeed and help others discover the gifts God has for them. With that said, my perfect days are spent with my family than going to a big event or party. By December 2020, I wanted and needed more in-person connection, especially since all other business events seized to exist during this time.] Our guests do too I think. They look forward to this experience, and I want everyone to be safe and healthy. Protect us and let us enjoy each other’s company.
[The episode can be seen here…]
Let the message tonight be impactful in a way that ultimately glorifies you and your will for my life. Let it help a small business out there. Let it inspire, motivate, and educate. Let episode 130 be the next domino to a very impactful and uplifting show. Let it be one step closer to making Gainesville a little better. Let it be one step closer to a place where I’m admired, not from a selfish place, but so that people can see you in me. I feel like I do such a poor job of that and I really want to do better. [I still feel this way.] Forgive me of my sins and anytime I may say something stupid that is not the best representation of you. [This is often.] While I’m speaking, may you pop in my mind. Let your words speak through me.
Thank you for this gift of life. May I seize every opportunity that glorifies you. May I make you proud. May I never take this life for granted. May I always honor my family. May I create legacy that lives on and brings more and more people to you.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Love you Jesus.
Collin
Reflecting back, no one even mentioned anything about the Mastermind Episode as it pertained to Covid. I’m glad but surprised.
Today, do I care what others think of me? Not as much as I did 3 years ago. With that said, there are still a lot of topics where I bite my tongue. I don’t have all the answers and don’t pretend to, but I genuinely disagree with a lot of what is happening in the world and choose to follow Jesus down the narrow path.
The footnotes in my Bible from Mark 15 really struck me this morning. We have a world that has a lot in common with Pilate (and the Pharisees)… “We often sacrifice the truth in order to please the crowd. Our challenge is to stand firm in our faith and not succumb to the world’s sinful demands.”1
Of the Christians I admire, the boldest and most courageous (and the way I strive to be) are the ones that do just that. The Bible has full authority over their lives. They are strong in their faith and stand in Biblical truth. They show the love of Jesus through their actions, give grace, but stand for truth.
I will finish with this… If God and His Word have full authority of your life, remember…
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
Hold other believers accountable. Be held accountable by other believers. Get in the word daily. The more in tune we are with God’s will, the less we will fear what other people think, because we will only be focused on what God thinks.
Have a blessed week! Thank you for reading!
Collin
"Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” - St. Francis
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