You Can't Please All!

    The story is told of an old man whose grandson rode a donkey while they were traveling from city to city.  The man heard some people saying, “Would you look at that old man suffering on his feet while that strong young boy is totally capable of walking.”  So, then the old man got on the donkey while the boy walked.  And he heard some people saying, “Would you look at that!  A healthy man is making that poor young boy walk.  Can you believe it?” 
    So the man and the boy both rode the donkey and people starting saying, “Would you look at those heavy brutes making that poor donkey suffer.”  So they both got off and walked until they heard some people cry, “Would you look at the waste!  A perfectly good donkey is not being used.”  Finally, the scene shifts and we see the boy walking and the old man carrying the donkey. 
    No matter what you do, somebody will criticize it!  If you try and please everyone you will go absolutely insane.  I like what Theodore Roosevelt was supposed to have said: “It’s not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbles or how the doer of deeds might have done better.  The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat, dust, and blood; who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” 
    The only perfect and sinless man on the planet was Jesus and people still found fault to criticize Him.  But, He never caved in to their bad-mouthing or hurtful comments.  He kept His focus and diligently pressed toward His goal.  What was His secret?  He placed His confidence in God His Father and He knew that He was pleasing Him. 
    There are four keys I want to share with you to help you keep your head up high.  (1) Know that you will always be in line for criticism.  You can’t please everyone so don’t even try.  (2) Don’t allow criticism to impair your self-esteem or destiny.  Safeguard your heart by asking the Lord to help you stay in control of your thoughts and emotions. (3) Diligently read the Word of God; it will build your confidence and keep you anchored when hurtful remarks are being fired at you. (4) If you decide to make a change let it be a decision that you have formed from a clear vantage point. 
    Never make important decisions when you are at a low ebb or even experiencing an emotional high.  Usually the outcome will be disappointing.  Be emotionally level, always, when making an important decision.  You want to think clearly, be patient, and pray before signing your name on the dotted line.  It is critical to have deep peace.  God wants to help you make the right decisions so be bold to ask Him for help.  For more info you can visit us at www.JoyChristianMinistries.com

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