Matthew 11:18-19

Matthew 11:18-19 (ESV): “18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

The most important lesson you can learn in life is to be who you were created to be, not who someone else wants you to be. Our identity comes from our heavenly Father and no one else.

Jesus demonstrates to His disciples the importance of ignoring the slander of critics and remaining anchored in our identity. John the Baptist was considered a crazy person by some and demon-possessed by others. Yet Jesus said that no man born of women was as great as him. Jesus Himself was sinless, and yet the slander against Him was ruthless. He was judged guilty by association, even though He came for the sick, not for those who were well. Neither person stopped being who they were created to be because of the slander of others.

What is stopping you from being the servant God has made you to be? If it is the slander of men, then you are trapped by fearing those whose opinions do not matter. Be who God has called you to be, and when critics speak out, stand firm in your calling. Stay rooted in the words of your Creator, for this will silence the noise. Amen?

Father, we desire to be all that You created us to be. When critics come, give us wisdom and courage to continue being who You have called us to be. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.