What do people think about you v the reality of your calling.

This title sums up the challenge for the apostle. He faced the challenge from his critics regarding his authenticity. They said he was only strong in his letters but in person he was weak and unimpressive. Here is how he responds.

“You are judging by appearances. If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do. So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it. I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. For some say, ‘His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.’ Such people should realise that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭7‬-‭11‬ ‭

His response gives lessons to us all whether we are leaders or not.

1. Don’t judge by appearance.

Effectiveness is not a result of charisma but rather character and consistency. 

Effectiveness is not a result of having a great social media presence about you and your ministry but it is about how good you are at building others up, promoting others and encouraging others.

2. Being who God has called you to be far outweighs any position or title you have been given.

Paul knew that he had been given authority as a leader from God alone. 

This authority was to build up and not tear down. So the next time you witness a destructive believer then remind them of these verses and suggest they get involved in construction instead.

3. Let your texts and emails carry the same tone as your in-person response. 

Paul gives them assurance that he will have authentic consistency. He will be the same in person as well as writer of letters to them. Confusion is created when we send strong texts but are silent when we need to speak. 

Paul is not ashamed of his authority given by God and he doesn’t apologise because he will not be intimidated by criticism. Don’t let anyone’s criticism force you to change who you are and what you have been called to do. However …

a. Check your motives – is your focus to build up others?

b. Ensure consistency – your private and public life need to align.

c. Listen to criticism – some of it may be healthy and others will need to be discarded.

d. Stand firm in your calling – above all make sure criticism doesn’t knock you off course.

The important thing to remember is not whether or not you will face criticism because you will. But how will you respond when it comes? Will it come from the knowledge that you have been called by God, that you are consistent publicly and privately and that you know your focus is the building up and not tearing down of others.