Anchored in Christ, Not the World
Criticism and antagonism are unavoidable in our walks through this short life. Misconception, envy, or malice can drive people to speak against us, sometimes with the intention of pulling us down to their level of inner-conflict, selfishness, or ignorance. Contentious comments, even when baseless, can leave enduring wounds, altering how we view ourselves and even stifle our ability to live out whatever purpose God may have for us. However, through Jesus Christ, we are called to a higher understanding that disarms such negativity. By ingraining our identity in Him, we recognize that the cruel words of others hold no power over us, for we submit to the only true authority—God Himself.
Our identities are firmly established in Jesus Christ. Through His victorious truimph over death, sin, and evil, He declared, “Tetelestai”—“It is finished” (John 19:30). This reality empowers us to break free from the constraints of others’ opinions, permitting us to confidently seek the purpose God has set before us.
A Relationship with Jesus: Prayer, Worship, and Transformation
A meaningful relationship with Jesus is transformative, reshaping our hearts, actions, and responses to the world. Through consistent prayer and worship, we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, who works within us to align our lives with God’s will. This requires stepping away from the lax and superficial falsehoods of Christianity often seen in Western culture. Instead, we must adhere to sound doctrine, seeking God’s truth and allowing it to refine us.
Rooted in Christ, Not Human Validation
A life lived with our hearts and minds focused on Jesus releases us from the need for human validation. Our perception of self-worth does not depend on approval from others or the ego’s fragile need for affirmations. We simply recognize that our foremost authority is God. It’s important to recognize this and may not seem obvious, but it is the foundational truth that nurtures a childlike faith—not naive, but humble and fully dependent on God’s sovereignty. This is what Jesus asked of his disciples in Matthew 18:2-4, after calling over a child to them to explain:
“and said, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent (that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives) and become like children (trusting, humble, and forgiving), you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’“
In this freedom, we see others as they truly are: individuals who, like us, are broken and in need of grace. We begin to extend the same forgiveness and mercy that Christ has shown us, understanding that everyone stands equally in need of redemption.
Tetelestai: The Power of Jesus’ Victory
When Jesus declared Tetelestai on the cross, He wasn’t merely announcing His suffering’s end. This Greek word carries profound meanings that reveal the completeness of His work:
1. A Legal Declaration: Tetelestai was stamped on debts to indicate they were fully paid. Through His sacrifice, Jesus paid the ultimate price for humanity’s sin, canceling our debt (Colossians 2:14).
2. Completion of a Task: Artisans used tetelestai to signify the perfection of their work. Jesus completed His mission to reconcile humanity with God, fulfilling the Father’s will.
3. A Victory Cry: Soldiers shouted tetelestai upon winning a battle. Jesus’ declaration was not one of defeat but triumph over sin, death, and evil (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Understanding this shifts our perspective on life’s struggles and interactions. Jesus’ victory empowers us to live confidently, unshaken by negativity. The opinions of others lose their weight, for Christ has already declared the final word over our lives.
Compassion Balanced with Boundaries
The depth of Christ’s sacrifice equips us to extend compassion and forgiveness, even to those who hurt us. However, compassion does not mean tolerating harmful behavior. True love sometimes requires setting boundaries to prevent enabling destructive actions that harm both others and ourselves.
Rooted in Christ, we gain discernment to know when to forgive and when to establish boundaries. This balance enables us to move forward without bitterness, allowing God to work in our hearts and theirs.
Responding with Grace
Jesus Himself endured relentless criticism and opposition. Mocked, falsely accused, and crucified, He remained steadfast in His purpose. His response to adversity serves as our example: He did not retaliate but entrusted Himself to God, who judges righteously.
We are called to respond similarly—with grace and love, even toward those who oppose us. Romans 12:17-21 reminds us:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
When we respond to criticism with grace, we reflect Christ’s character and open the door for God’s transformative work in the lives of others.
Equipped for Battle: The Armor of God
While criticism and negativity cannot define us, they can still hurt. This is why Scripture urges us to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18):
1. The Belt of Truth: Grounds us in God’s Word, exposing lies and holding us steady.
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness: Guards our hearts against bitterness, keeping us focused on Christ’s righteousness.
3. The Gospel of Peace: Enables us to walk forward confidently, sharing God’s love despite adversity.
4. The Shield of Faith: Deflects doubts and attacks that aim to shake our trust in God.
5. The Helmet of Salvation: Protects our minds with the assurance of God’s eternal promise.
6. The Sword of the Spirit: God’s Word is our weapon against deception and discouragement.
With this armor, we remain immovable, standing firm in the truth of who we are in Christ.
Transformation Through Surrender
True transformation happens when we surrender our hearts to God and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. This involves consistent prayer, worship, and immersion in God’s Word.
As we prioritize our relationship with Him, we experience a renewal that replaces fear with faith, doubt with confidence, and weakness with strength.
2 Corinthians 3:18 reminds us:
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Living with Freedom and Purpose
When we anchor our identity in Christ, we gain the strength to rise above negativity. The words of others no longer derail us because we know who we are in Him. We forgive with compassion, set boundaries with wisdom, and walk boldly in the freedom Christ purchased for us.
This freedom allows us to live intentionally, reflecting God’s love and truth in our actions. By remaining rooted in Him, we become living testimonies of His grace, shining as lights in a world desperate for hope.
Pick Up Your Cross
Take a moment to reflect on the challenges you’ve faced from criticism or opposition, or even loved ones.
How have you responded? Did your actions align with your identity in Christ?
Commit to deepening your relationship with God through prayer and study of His Word, making room for His transformative work in your life.
Stand firm and remained anchored in the truth of Jesus Christ, daily. In Him, we find strength to endure, love to forgive, and courage to truly live. As Jesus declared, “It is finished.” Live in His victory.
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