1st March, 2026
A Fountain Publication
The Lodestar
Online Magazine for the Thinking Christian
Devotional
Standing Firm When Unpopular
“I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O LORD, but in justice; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing” (Jer 10:23—24).
By Paulson Pulikottil
What should we do when everyone disapproves of our decisions that we are sure is pleasing to God?
Jeremiah lived in exceedingly challenging times. Judah was hurtling toward a national disaster of conquest and destruction at the hands of the Babylonians. To add to his misery, false prophets, national leaders, and even ordinary people mischaracterised him as a fool and disregarded his warning. In such situations, even the most sober persons may doubt their sanity when their opinions are unpopular.
Unable to find anyone to support him, Jeremiah turns to God to direct his steps. In doing so, he admits that humans cannot know right and wrong by themselves: “The way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.”
So, he turns to God for help and prays, " Correct me.” He is confident that the Lord will treat him kindly while improving him.
The writer of Hebrews encouraged his readers, alluding to Job 5:17, not to disregard the discipline of the Lord: “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him” (Heb 12:5).
When we become unpopular for the right decisions we make, make sure that they have the Lord’s approval; nothing else matters.
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