Recently, I had the opportunity to purchase a nice car, a celebration of my hard work in my business. However, as I drove my new car, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of angst bubbling up within me. The source of my unease was a sensitivity to what others might think.

Leading a team in business and guiding women in their spiritual growth, I felt a weight of responsibility to model financial wisdom and generosity. Balancing these two aspects of my life proved challenging. What would people think when they saw my new car? This question lingered in my mind.

Unfortunately, my worry wasn’t entirely unfounded. Someone eventually commented on my car, questioning its compatibility with my faith and branding me a phony.

Ouch.

I share this experience not to seek sympathy but because her words struck a chord with one of my vulnerabilities: my need for approval.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we need not fear others, neither their actions nor their judgments. Yet, how often do we find ourselves acting out of fear of disappointing them?

Will we fall short of their expectations?

Are we measuring up?

Or are we failing their litmus test for how we should think, act, look, and live?

Herein lies the challenge: we should be considerate of others, especially those we lead or influence, such as friends, family, coworkers, and our community. However, becoming consumed by their opinions is unhealthy. Ultimately, “what can they do to me?” The answer is nothing. Even if they disapprove or reject us, our worth comes from above.

Of course, we will be affected by the opinions and judgments of others; we are human, and human connections are vital. But God is even more vital. In Him, we place our trust, our faith, our confidence. We fix our gaze on His truth and let Him lead us.

Today, you may find yourself grappling with the tension between being sensitive to others while not allowing them to dictate your actions. When this happens, remember the first part of our verse:

“The Lord is my helper.”

Seek His guidance on how you should think and act, trusting that you’ll hear His wise and loving voice as He guides you forward.