When Loved Ones Call You Out

Most of the time when we are called out, course corrected or catch constructive criticism it’s for a good reason. 

But then there are times when the call out is uncalled for. 

For Example:

Oprah was fired from a job for being too emotionally involved in her news stories. 

Japanese officials tell Shoichiro Honda to stick with motorcycles, because enough cars already crowded the automobile industry in Japan.

Jesus, when His ministry started to explode with followers, was publicly declared “out of His mind” by His family. (Mark 3:21) 

I’m sure all three of the individuals mentioned above learned something from the criticism, but they sure didn’t let it hijak their purpose.

Family Confrontation 

In the first two and a half chapters of the Gospel of Mark several notable events happen to Jesus:

1. John the Baptist baptizes Him. 
2. Jesus fasts and is tempted in the wilderness for 40 days. 
3. He performs heaps of healings.
4. Jesus calls and commissions His 12 disciples/apostles to preach and heal people.
5. Larger crowds begin following Him.

We live for this amazing buildup of His ministry! You can feel God’s power pulsing through the pages. 

Finally, Jesus’ ministry is officially going public.

This is the moment in Jesus’ story when, after all the preparations are made, and guests sit in silent anticipation, someone leans in, clicks the light switch and everyone yells, Surprise! 

But as soon at the party starts, the family pushes through the back door saying, “This is crazy. You are out of your mind. We’re shutting this whole thing down. Sorry folks, my son/brother is tipsy and we need to take him home.”

When His family heard what was happening, they tried to take Him away. “He’s out of His mind,” they said. Mark 3:21

Even His mother Mary was there, the woman who had seen angels and experienced the miracle of a virgin birth. Even Mary doubted. (Mark 3:31)

In that moment concerning His ministry Jesus had two choices: submit or soar. 

Look, only you know the purpose God placed on your heart. And no one experiences the passion for your purpose like you do because God put this on your heart. That being said, it’s 100% your decision to quit or continue pursuing this passion.

Thankfully, crazy, outlandish and never-done-before does not disqualify your passion filled  purpose. 

Passions are just that. Wild and impossible. It takes a brave person, someone who is not afraid to look nutty, to be entrusted with a calling like yours. Because in the end, like Oprah, Mr. Honda and Jesus, your courage could impact the lives of millions. 

So what will we do when criticism comes our way?

When criticism contradicts our course of action, we may need to slow down. Fast, pray and seek counsel from discerning friends and leaders. Slowing down is wise. I’ve had to slow down several times in the course of my walk with God. In slowing down and setting pace with God, we can hone our skills. We can ask God for more clarity and confirmation. Resting in the confidence of His faithfulness, we angle our gaze down the path of our purpose.

So whatever you do, whether it’s slowing down, refining a skill or checking your motives, don’t toss the uncut gem of your calling onto an ordinary pile of rocks just because you received some pushback from people you love and admire. 

Humbly and with all due respect, open your hands, let their words float down into your palms like wind whipped post it notes. Then fold them up into your pockets.  And with your actions reply, “I must be about my father’s business.” Now go take that next step.

Lord, You call us to join You in Your plan for the ages. We all have a significant part to play. Admittedly, some roles require more ‘crazy’ than others. But we want to join the ranks of Jesus and the Apostle Paul (Acts 26:24), who despite being called crazy, boldly preached the gospel of love to both the brokenhearted and skeptics of this world. Lord Jesus, today, please clarify our calling. Blaze your light on each step we need to take and fire up our courage to follow your lead. In Jesus Name, Amen.

P.S. If you already caved and gave in to the pressure, no sweat. We all have our Peter moments after the cock crows. We’ve all collapsed under the strain of intimidating voices. (Matthew 26:69-75)

But just like in Peter’s story, Jesus meets you on the shoreline of your life offering breakfast (communion) and a second chance. “I know you still love Me. C’mon, get back up. Let’s go do the thing.” (John 21:15-17)