“If people do not welcome you, leave their town and
shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
(Luke 9:5 (NIV))
At times, we look to others to define our worth—seeking affirmation through their kindness, compliments, invitations, or recognition of our gifts. When we receive these things, we feel seen and valued. Although it’s a blessing when others uplift and support us, our true worth doesn’t come from human approval. It comes from knowing who we are in the eyes of God—the One who created us with purpose and calls us valuable, regardless of external validation.
We can’t rely on what people say or think about us, especially since people change. No matter how deeply someone loves you or desires your good, they can’t meet the deepest needs of your soul—only God can truly satisfy what your heart longs for. People may want the best for you, but at some point, they’ll let you down.
They’re human. God never designed us to get that all from people, but from Him.
Depending on people’s moments in life, they can be respectful, motivating, or supportive, but they can also be jealous, envious, mean, or insensitive. People can’t give you everything you want, either because they don’t have it (they were never given it) or because they don’t want to (they are never there for you). Either
way, you’re going to get frustrated or live stressed trying to convince people you deserve their respect and acknowledgement once you’re a good person. Forget it! Move forward.
Jesus once told his disciples, “When you go into a city and they don’t accept your message, or they don’t welcome you” – do not stay there and try to convince them to change their opinion about you, or to show them how nice you are. No. Instead, he said, “shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them” (Luke 9:5). In other words, don’t waste your time striving for the approval of those who can’t see your value. Let go with grace, and trust that your assignment isn’t tied to their acceptance. Believe me, the sooner you learn this lesson, the more painless it will be and the faster you will move on to the next level. I’m not advising you to be insensitive. Instead, I’m suggesting that you respect and value yourself.
We know rejection, misunderstanding or accomplishment downplaying can even be harder when it comes from people close to us. This is exactly what happened to David. His father didn’t believe him. His father discouraged him and left him out in the shepherd’s fields when Samuel came to anoint one of the sons as the next king. His father ignored David. David could have lived bitter, upset, trying to convince his father to change his mind, but he shook it off and moved forward.
David faced rejection from both his father and his brother Eliab. Yet he didn’t let their lack of support define him. Instead of seeking their approval or trying to prove himself, he chose to move forward. Sometimes, people won’t give you the recognition or kindness you deserve—whether out of jealousy, insecurity, or their own issues. But you don’t need their validation. Like Jesus said, shake the dust off and move on. Be respectful, but don’t let their opinions distract you from your purpose.
For you to fulfill your assignment, there will be people that don’t approve, don’t accept, misunderstand. You can’t worry about all that. You don’t need people’s applause. Do what God put in your heart, and you’ll hear his applause. He’s the one that matters. Promotion doesn’t come from people. It comes from God. Anything else is just trying to distract you from what God has for you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me listen only to your voice and keep in mind only your opinion about me. Help me keep a whole heart that pleases you. Strengthen me so that I will not be influenced by offensive words or attitudes. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
