There's a Crack in Your Armor Perry Stone

Say what you wish, but you cannot and will not offend him— because he can’t hear you. Paul said, “I die daily” (1 Cor. 15:31). If you are the type of person who must always be bragged on, told how good you are, and need a consistent, daily pat on the back, you will be in serious trouble throughout your life as—I hate to tell you— some people are not going to like you. In my own ministry, when I preach on prophecy, some disagree with my interpretation, or when I minister on the Holy Spirit, some reject the teaching. There are people who for whatever reason do not appreciate the messages or methods I use in ministry. However, it is hard to offend a dead man. I have chosen to become dead to the critics and simply do God’s will the best I can. In my earlier ministry I would become offended at the negative comments, until I discovered the seed of offense was being birthed out of a bruised ego and a slight amount of pride. When you desire to be liked by people and are disliked by some, the human ego will mentally enlarge the few as though they are many, and soon you are swimming in a dirty pool of offenses. After years of dealing with trying to understand why some people disliked me or the ministry, I chose to just die out to their comments, as it is simply their opinion and all men have a right to their own opinion. Not everyone liked Jesus, Paul, or the members of the early church, so I am in good company. Never let the negative opinions of others pull you down to their level. Life it too short, eternity too long, and offense too dangerous to risk the disfavor of God by walking in the mud of offense and tracking it into your church, home, and family.