“The way someone else perceives what you do is a result of their own experiences (which you can’t control), their own preferences (which you can’t predict), and their own expectations (which you don’t set).
If your choices don’t match their expectations that is their concern, not yours.”
James Clear, 3-2-1 Newsletter, May 13, 2021
Easy to say. Harder to do. But it can be done. With practice.
As a Christian, Romans 8:31-39 has helped me tremendously in this respect. Why? Because I know that God perceives me fully (no one else does), that God’s preferences are eternally good and just (distinct from any other being), and that God’s expectations for me rest in the calling I have in Jesus Christ, who has redeemed me and called me his own.
I’m called to be steward of his grace and to live my life for him. When I do what is expected of me, I give thanks for the good work God has done in me. When I fail to do what is expected of me, I find mercy in the power of his forgiveness.
In Jesus, I have the approval of God, who is the one person who ultimately matters. Therefore, I can live free from the fear of judgment of any person, and rest in God’s eternal grace.
